EN
The article contains a synthetic presentation of the state sector genesis in Italy. The quoted data concerning investments commissioned by this sector, its share in employment, and industrial output as well as the analysis of the economic performance of two biggest state holdings: the IRI and the ENI — point at the loading role of the state sector in the Italian economy after the 2nd World War. The assessment of the present situation leads to the conclusion that it is necessary to further increase the economic functions of the state—owned sector in future.