Private entities (companies and foundations) in which public bodies hold interests represent an important phenomenon within the Italian economic landscape.

The corporate form used to carry out economic activities of public interest is particularly widespread in the sphere of local administrations and has, over time, been the subject of numerous legislative measures aimed at rationalising the sector, which have also concerned in-house companies.

Public and private entities are increasingly making use of another organisational model: the participatory foundation. This is the most advanced Italian model for managing projects and initiatives in the cultural field and, more generally, in the non-profit sector. It is widespread across all Italian regions and, in percentage terms, is now more common than the traditional foundation model. It is designed to operate and manage projects and, through collaboration between the public and private sectors, makes it possible to reconcile private entrepreneurial and managerial skills with the safeguarding of the public interest.