(Ri)conoscere il lavoro pubblico: traiettorie occupazionali e sfide organizzative tra innovazione e persistenti contraddizioni

In a constantly evolving socio-economic context, characterised by global challenges and rising citizen expectations, it becomes essential to bring the strategic role of the public sector—and, in particular, public employment—back to the forefront of scholarly debate as a driver of employment, social cohesion, economic development, and democratic sustainability. The article introduces the contributions gathered in the Special Issue on this topic, offering some reflections on the role of the public sector, the reforms that have reshaped it, and the emerging challenges it now faces.