The role of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti in the social infrastructure sector

Today, the principle of sustainable development entails a complex and necessary balance between economic, social, and environmental interests. The aim of this paper is to analyse how this principle influences the activities of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), particularly in the promotion and implementation of social infrastructure, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. To conduct the analysis, the principle of sustainable development is considered as an external variable affecting two factors: the operator and the final output. These are represented, respectively, by CDP and social infrastructure. This framework allows us to examine the CDP’s operation and effects, considering its unique characteristics, its promotional and investment activities, and its adherence to environmental, social and governance factors. Additionally, it takes into account the nature of social infrastructure, which, on one hand, serves as a tool to achieve specific objectives, and on the other, is the output – the outcome of assessment of the operator’s activities. Within this dynamic, the self-referential (autopoietic) nature of the principle of sustainable development becomes clear. The principles demonstrates its capacity for self-renewal and self-reinforcement, while also compelling the operator to pursue broader, almost global interests.