The Fondazione Luigi Einaudi (Luigi Einaudi Foundation) is a private, non‑profit Italian foundation headquartered in Turin. Established shortly after the death of Luigi Einaudi (1894‑1961), former President of Italy and prominent classical‑liberal economist, the foundation’s primary purpose is to promote research, education, and public debate on liberal economic and political ideas consistent with Einaudi’s intellectual legacy.
History and mission
- The foundation was created in the early 1960s (commonly cited as 1962) by a group of scholars, business leaders, and members of Einaudi’s family.
- Its statutes emphasize the diffusion of liberal thought, support for academic scholarship, and the preservation of Einaudi’s writings and archives.
Key activities
- Research and publications: The foundation commissions studies, publishes books and policy papers, and maintains a series of scholarly journals focusing on economics, political theory, and law.
- Conferences and seminars: It organises national and international conferences, workshops, and lecture series that bring together academics, policymakers, and business leaders.
- Educational programmes: Scholarships, fellowships, and internship opportunities are provided to university students and early‑career researchers pursuing topics aligned with liberal economics and democratic governance.
- Awards: The Fondazione Luigi Einaudi awards the “Premio Internazionale Luigi Einaudi” (International Luigi Einaudi Prize) to individuals or institutions that have made notable contributions to the promotion of liberty, market economics, or democratic institutions.
Governance
The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and a Scientific Committee composed of scholars, economists, and public figures. Its leadership rotates periodically, with appointments generally reflecting expertise in the areas of economics, law, and political science.
Facilities and archives
Located in Turin’s historic center, the foundation’s premises house a library and archival collection that includes Luigi Einaudi’s personal papers, correspondence, and unpublished works, which are made available to qualified researchers.
Public impact
Through its publications, events, and educational initiatives, the Fondazione Luigi Einaudi has contributed to the diffusion of classical‑liberal ideas in Italy and across Europe, influencing policy debates on market reforms, fiscal responsibility, and the role of the state in the economy.
International collaboration
The foundation maintains partnerships with similar think‑tanks and academic institutions worldwide, participating in joint research projects and co‑organising transnational conferences on liberal democracy and economic freedom.
Overall, the Fondazione Luigi Einaudi functions as a cultural and intellectual institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of Luigi Einaudi while fostering contemporary discourse on liberal economic and political principles.
