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Micro-entrepreneurs’ financial and digital competences during the pandemic in Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Alessio D'Ignazio

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Paolo Finaldi Russo

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Massimiliano Stacchini

    (Bank of Italy)

Abstract

We analyse new survey data from a representative sample of about 2,000 Italian micro-entrepreneurs to assess their level of financial and digital competences and to investigate whether these skills help them cope with unexpected shocks. We find that the financial literacy and digital skills of Italian micro-entrepreneurs are quite limited, especially for one-person businesses and owners with a lower level of education. By controlling for several business characteristics, we also find that financial literacy is significantly correlated with the transition to more digitalized business models and with greater resilience to external shocks: financially savvy entrepreneurs were better able to build liquidity buffers prior to the COVID-19 crisis and access government aid during the pandemic. As for the role of digital skills in supporting businesses during the crisis, empirical evidence is less clear-cut.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessio D'Ignazio & Paolo Finaldi Russo & Massimiliano Stacchini, 2022. "Micro-entrepreneurs’ financial and digital competences during the pandemic in Italy," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 724, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:opques:qef_724_22
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    1. Alessio D'Ignazio & Daniela Marconi & Massimiliano Stacchini, 2024. "Micro-entrepreneurs and the twin green and digital transitions. Does financial literacy play a role?," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 858, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    2. Sara Lamboglia & Noemi Oggero & Mariacristina Rossi & Massimiliano Stacchini, 2024. "Financial knowledge and career aspirations among the young: a route to entrepreneurship," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 838, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    financial literacy; digitalization; micro-firms; Covid 19;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G53 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Financial Literacy

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