Entrepreneurs’ perspective on public-private partnership in health care and social services

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to probe experiences of entrepreneurs in the social and health care service provision. Design/methodology/approach – Information was collected regarding entrepreneurs’ views on the factors affecting the collaboration between public and private sectors. A sample of social and health care entrepreneurs was interviewed using open-ended questions. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings – Three main categories of factors affecting the success of partnership were identified: the nature of partnership, business aspects and tension builders. Research limitations/implications – The research was undertaken in rural Finland and the sample consisted 13 entrepreneurs. The results must be considered as observations with more generalised conclusions. Practical implications – The results of this study support municipalities in their social and health care service strategy work and especially in consideration of how to also facilitate a fruitful public-private partnership (PPP)-framework, which will largely depend on mutual understanding and consensus. Originality/value – The reform of the social and health care system has raised intensive public debate throughout Europe. Key issues include the reorganising of social and health care processes as well as PPPs in provision of services. This study observes the views and experiences of private entrepreneurs and points out where some potential problems and solutions of social and health care PPPs are.