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Redefining the borders between public, social economy and for-profit organizations in the provision of public services: The case of Japan

In: Providing public goods and commons. Towards coproduction and new forms of governance for a revival of public action

Author

Listed:
  • Shinichi SAITO

    (University of Shimane, Japan)

  • Munenori NOMURA

    (Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan)

  • Fumitoshi SMIZUTANI

    (Kobe University, Japan)

  • Francis RAWLINSON

    (formerly European Commission and Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan)

Abstract

Japan’s public services including public utilities have traditionally been provided by the public sector with strong government involvement through regulation or ownership. In this chapter, we look at the current situation and the issues surrounding institutional reform in the field of public services. Although private participation is a possible option in some cases, the underlying market conditions are a determining factor. Some rural areas are facing major difficulties in maintaining public services and public infrastructure. Are there alternative ways of maintaining services and infrastructure in such areas? We describe options such as restructuring and the foundation of “social businesses”. The options discussed extend the former concept of PPP from the relationship between private operators and the public sector to one involving beneficiaries including local residents as well. Such social enterprises, which are independent both from the private commercial companies involved in service provision and of the public sector, are one means of regenerating local communities. The contribution thus indicates the shifting roles of the public sector from direct service provider towards a supporting intermediary.

Suggested Citation

  • Shinichi SAITO & Munenori NOMURA & Fumitoshi SMIZUTANI & Francis RAWLINSON, 2018. "Redefining the borders between public, social economy and for-profit organizations in the provision of public services: The case of Japan," CIRIEC Studies Series, in: Philippe BANCE & CIRIEC (ed.), Providing public goods and commons. Towards coproduction and new forms of governance for a revival of public action, volume 1, chapter 4, pages 75-91, CIRIEC - Université de Liège.
    • Handle: RePEc:crc:chapte:1-04
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fumitoshi MIZUTANI & Shinichi SAITO, 2011. "Maintaining Local Transport Services in Japan," CIRIEC Working Papers 1101, CIRIEC - Université de Liège.
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      Keywords

      Public Private Partnerships (PPPs); public infrastructure; social enterprises; rural areas;
      All these keywords.

      JEL classification:

      • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
      • R48 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government Pricing and Policy
      • R51 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Finance in Urban and Rural Economies

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