Abstract
The constitutional design and institutional setting of fiscal and financial matters are pivotal for the existence, functioning, and evolution of federal systems. These frameworks embody a dynamic balance between autonomy claims and solidarity concerns, shaping the distribution of powers and resources across different levels of government.
Innovations in financial relations play a crucial role in influencing federal dynamics, whether introduced through formal legal measures or through informal practices that become established over time. The emergence of such changes within federal systems offers valuable insights into the established and evolving ‘federal toolkit’, also influencing federal dynamics and the resulting federal equilibrium.
In this context, special attention shall be devoted to the decision-making processes underlying these innovations, with a focus on whether they arise through institutionalized channels or through practical deviations from established rules. By examining these pathways, the workshop aims to deepen understanding of how financial relations evolve and how innovation contributes to the ongoing transformation of federal systems.
Furthermore, the workshop will encourage participants to comparatively analyze different case studies, highlighting both common trends and major discrepancies in terms of formal and informal innovation of financial relations. This approach will foster a nuanced discussion on the mechanisms that drive change, the major challenges encountered, and the broader implications for federal governance. Ultimately, the insights gained will contribute to a richer understanding of how innovation shapes the balance between autonomy and solidarity, and how federal systems adapt to new fiscal realities.