Sections

Academy
This section welcomes texts written by exponents of the Italian and international academic world, and addressing the most topical themes of the Utilities field. The prevailing attention it towards managerial and business disciplines, and specifically towards issues like competitive strategies, finance, relationships with Authorities and Public Administrations, marketing, communication, organization, production and supply of the service. The contributions, characterized by a high degree of scientific severity, are structured to highlight, in a clear and exhaustive manner, the operative implications for the corporate management and for the public administrations.

Professional
This section is intended to set off the best experiences arisen both in Italy and abroad in the strategic, operational and financial management of companies. The Journal collects here cases and considerations of those who run utilities, and even contributions from those who support the utilities sector. We refer to the most qualified consulting companies, to major banking and financial institutions, to the most active Public Administrations and to the sector associations which provide systematic cooperation. The basic idea is to set up a forum aimed at diffusing the best economic and managerial experiences, the most significant business cases, the most relevant financial projects, the most interesting initiatives promoted by institutional subjects and public administrations.

Legal
This section is conceived to grasp the relevant elements and trends under the perspective of better managing the legislative framework in which Utilities operate. The normative evolution is one of the most important drivers of change of the sector. Think about liberalization and the related privatization policies, about the European integration process, about the recent constitutional reform of Title V and the consequent change of State and Regional competencies. The section gathers contributions of qualified jurists (Professors, Judges, Lawyers) who describe, interpret and comment the evolution of the legislative context after the recent developments, both at national and Community level.

Competitive Intelligence
Through a reasoned reading of information and news related to initiatives ad projects promoted by national and international operators, the "competitive intelligence" sections offers guidelines and observations regarding the strategies undertaken by these entities. Agreements, alliances, cooperation projects, joint ventures, M&A operations are all changing she sector scenery. In a framework of progressive abolition of both national barriers and monopolies, it is very important for national and local operators to understand which are the competitive strategies undertaken by the main international players, since these will be the ones to compete with in the future.

Technology
This section contains analyses, data and experiences regarding the latest and most remarkable technological solutions, either adopted or still potential, available to the companies of the field. Technological innovation is one of the most important factors of change in the management of services. It is larger firms that usually take it on, but technological progress is often developed and promoted by suppliers. Technological change is largely determined by a vast number of qualified companies that realize significant process and product innovations. This section collects the contributions of experienced technicians, suppliers of innovative solutions and of companies that have already adopted new technologies.

On users’ side
This section focuses the attention on users. While formulating and implementing policies regarding public utility services, the ultimate goal of best satisfying the needs of both the population and all the productive components of society (artisans, small-medium enterprises, large enterprises) is too often forgotten or disregarded. Under this perspective, the section presents studies and data on the effectiveness and efficiency of operators, on the security and quality levels of service, on customer satisfaction, on service stability, on the protection of weakest and needy components of society. Contributions come from scholars, institutions, entities, and associations capable of providing a unique and significant view of the problem.

From Regions and Local entities
 The section is intended to examine and discuss the experiences acquired by regional governments and by Local entities in leading and controlling public utility services. The reform of Title V of the Italian Constitution has provided room for regional and local federalism, redistributing tasks and responsibilities to those subjects closer to users. The section gathers opinions, experiences and standpoint of those who operate in view of a specific territorial dimension.