The skill bias in Italy: a first report Mariacristina Piva Marco Vivarelli UCSC UCSC Abstract In this study three possible determinants of the increased demand for skilled workers are tested using a panel of 412 Italian manufacturing firms over the period 1989-1997. The results suggest the statistical significance of the impact of organisational change, while they tend to exclude the roles of RDspending and foreign direct investment. Financial support from MURST is gratefully acknowledged. Citation: Piva, Mariacristina and Marco Vivarelli, (2001) "The skill bias in Italy: a first report." Economics Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 2 pp. 1-8 Submitted: November 12, 2001. Accepted: November 12, 2001. URL: http://www.economicsbulletin.com/2001/volume15/EB-01O30002A.pdf