A two-step approach to evaluate drivers and barriers to clean energy policies: Italian regional evidence

Abstract Implementing policies able to drive energy sector transition is an objective of the European Union. Based on economic literature, we argue that several determinants might be either drivers or barriers to the effectiveness of energy policy interventions: political-institutional, socio-economic and region-specific factors. For understanding their role in the Italian framework, this research aims at assessing to what extent each group of determinants influences the transition towards green energy systems. In doing so, by using several econometric techniques, we are able to offer useful suggestion to the policymaker about potential intervention strategy. Finding shows that institutional and regional-specific drivers play a pivotal role in driving Italian regions energy transition.