Confidence dropped universally across countries and sectors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Latest survey data suggest that confidence is on track for a v-shaped recovery. The swift implementation of stringent containment measures as well as economic stimulus policy...

In response to the two waves of Covid-19 in 2020, the Italian government implemented a general lockdown in March, but geographically targeted policies during fall. We exploit this natural experiment to compare the effects of the two policies in a difference-in-differences design, leveraging a...

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the limitations of prevailing paradigms to effectively manage today’s complexities to advance sustainable development. In this context, open government and improved transparency in public management are necessary elements to build back better and ensure...