The “Federalism of Scale” study examines the impact of scale on the efficiency of local public services in multi-level governance systems. According to the paper, the benefits and limits of economies of scale vary depending on the characteristics of the service and the context.

According to the study’s findings, the size of administrative units affects the costs and management of public services, but its effects are not always the same. While smaller jurisdictions may face higher costs, larger ones may encounter greater coordination and organizational difficulties. The paper also examines the balance between efficiency and local autonomy, through tools such as inter-municipal cooperation, the reorganization of competences, and municipal mergers. The findings show that the most suitable solution depends on the characteristics of the service and the territory, and that there is no single formula valid for all situations.