Italian academic selection process criticized as 'via crucis' for winners

Renato Barilli, professor emeritus at the University of Bologna, critiques Italy's academic recruitment system for university chairs, including art disciplines. The process now uses digital submissions and remote committees, saving travel costs but losing personal interaction. Commissions can promote unlimited candidates, but those deemed 'idoneati' (qualified) face a 'via crucis' finding universities willing to hire them, as departments hoard funds for internal candidates. Barilli proposes a law linking the number of qualified candidates to state funding for their hiring, calling it a simple fix requiring only a few million euros. He laments government hypocrisy over youth unemployment and emigration. The article was published on Artribune Magazine #64.