The price of illiteracy, a luxury we can not afford anymore

Abstract

The Italian economic and social crisis has its roots in the country's weak public policies in the fields of education and research. Italy ranks among lowest in most international surveys on educational attainment, student’s literacy, participation in cultural life, public and private investment in research and development. Giovanni Solimine’s new book – Senza sapere. Il costo dell’ignoranza in Italia (Not knowing. The price of illiteracy in Italy) – explains how this situation is fatally destined to increase the gap between Italy and the other developed countries unless real change is made. The article takes the cue form the issues discussed in the book to highlight the need for a quick transition towards a knowledge society in Italy.