Regulation of public--private partnerships: the Danish case

The Danish government has considered the public--private partnership (PPP) model for major construction and infrastructure projects. But, whereas other countries have embraced PPPs, Denmark has been a sceptic. This article examines why PPPs have not got off the ground: a mixture of regulatory controversies among central government departments and strong public finances (making private finance largely redundant). Two case studies from the schools sector illustrate the regulatory difficulties that public and private partners face when engaging in PPP activity in Denmark. The author concludes that clear regulations are needed to support PPPs.