Offentligprivat

OffentligPrivat is a term used to describe collaborations between public authorities and private sector entities to deliver public services, infrastructure, or facilities. It covers arrangements where private actors are involved in design, construction, financing, maintenance, or operation, while public ownership or ultimate public accountability remains.

Common forms include public-private partnerships (PPPs), outsourcing of service delivery, concessions granting private operators rights to operate and collect revenue, and in some cases privatization of ownership. In PPPs, the public sector typically retains ownership of the asset and contracts private partners to deliver services under performance-based agreements; in privatization, ownership and control may transfer to the private sector.

Governance focuses on risk allocation, funding models, contract terms, and performance monitoring. Contracts specify service levels, cost, timelines, and penalties; risk, such as construction or demand risk, is allocated to the party best able to manage it. Transparency and competition are central to ensuring value for money.

Potential advantages include access to private capital, transfer of certain risks, and innovation and efficiency improvements. Critics warn of higher long-term costs, reduced public control, complexity, and accountability challenges. The balance between public interest and private efficiency is central to policy design.

The concept is widely used in many countries and sectors, particularly in large-scale infrastructure, healthcare facilities, water systems, and transportation. Debates center on value for money, equity, and governance, with different models emphasizing different trade-offs.