Public–Private Partnerships in Switzerland: Crossing the Bridge with the Aid of a New Governance Approach

Abstract

New Public Management was instrumental in modernizing the Swiss public sector. The first stage of modernization has focused on streamlining processes and structures and improving instruments in order to increase the public sector’s efficiency and effectiveness. At the moment, reform projects are about to enter a second stage which puts more emphasis on modifying the way in which the public sector offers its services. Although the general political environment in Switzerland favors cross-sector cooperation, there is a potential risk of deadlock. Traditional behavior, familiar values, and the management instruments already in place are not enough to access the potential of these partnerships fully. Rather both sides need to join forces to set up and develop common approaches to improve their cooperability. This article sets forward concrete proposals to launch a code of conduct for public–private governance and presents some initial ideas for a public–private governance model which looks for sustainable outcomes.

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