Rocco, as an economics-minded politician, developed the early concept of the economic and political theory of corporatism,[1] which later became part of the ideology of the National Fascist Party.

[2][3] Rocco was critical of Italy's weak material and economic power, which he said was responsible for Italian dependence on the European "plutocracies" of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

[4] Rocco also denounced the European powers for imposing foreign culture on Italy and criticized them for their endorsement of individualism.

[6] He developed a very close relationship with the Perrone brothers, owners of the Ansaldo company, who provided him with lavish financing.

[12] Albert Einstein wrote a letter to the minister, listed in the collection The World as I See It (Mein Weltbild) in which he argued that it was not necessary for Italian scientists to swear allegiance to the Fascist party to continue their educational and scientific activities.