Policies and Investments for Social Inclusion and Cohesion in the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan: A Critical Analysis of Its Approach, Objectives and Strategies

The systemic nature and pervasiveness of the crisis generated by the pandemic means that it has affected the entire economic, organizational and employment structure of the country system in Italy, as well as the social and relational structure, with reference therefore to the multiple dimensions of individual and collective well-being. The current situation makes it necessary to structure, in the near future, more effective policies for inclusion and cohesion, in order not only to counter the social fallout of the pandemic crisis, but more profoundly to promote sustainable human development in our society, leaving no one behind. This article aims to offer a critical analysis of the approach, objectives, and intervention strategies of Mission 5 «Inclusion and Cohesion» of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, in order to contribute to the national debate by offering keys and useful reflections to strengthen and improve the implementation of the Plan. In particular, the article focuses mainly on the first two components of Mission 5-m5c1 «Employment Policies» and m5c2 «Social Infrastructure, Families, Communities and the Third Sector»-analyzing both the state of the art and the evolution of policies in these areas, as well as the approach underlying the reforms and investments envisaged in the Plan, identifying critical elements, open issues and proactive considerations