Massimo Fornasari

Massimo Fornasari is a Confirmed Associate Professor at the Department of Economic Sciences of the University of Bologna. His research focuses on Economic History, History of Finance, and History of Economic Thought. He has extensively studied institutions like the Monti di Pietà, banking systems, and regional economic development in Italy, particularly in Emilia-Romagna and Romagna. His work bridges pre-modern and modern financial systems, with a focus on governance, credit networks, and institutional decline. Recent publications (2021–2024) highlight studies on 18th–19th century financial institutions, monetary history, and the interplay between state policies and economic development.

Teaching includes courses on economic history, finance, and historical methodologies. Office hours are held in Bologna and Forlì, emphasizing student engagement in thesis advising. Fornasari actively contributes to academic discourse through conferences and edited volumes, often addressing overlooked aspects of Italy’s economic past.

His research agenda combines archival work with theoretical frameworks, exploring how financial institutions shaped regional and national economies. Notable areas include the collapse of Monti di Pietà in the 19th century, the evolution of credit systems, and the socio-economic impact of educational reforms in post-unification Italy.