In both the developed world and the third world public enterprise has come to assume considerable importance in the structure and development of national economies. Originally published in 1984, this book, by an acknowledged international authority on public enterprise, explores this concept in both the major and the developing economies. He analyses how public enterprise functions and demonstrates how it may be integrated into both traditional Western mixed economies and third world economies with a much high level of state control.

In many parts of the world public enterprise is in crisis. Privatisation programmes are being widely touted as the solution to many of the problems of inefficiency and slow rates of growth associated with public enterprise. This book discusses the underlying causes of those problems, and critically examines some of the solutions that have been adopted. Its geographical coverage is wide and it cuts across the political spectrum. The experiences of countries in four continents are analysed in an attempt to shed light on current dilemmas. Recurrent patterns are found; problems are frequently seen to be political as much as economic, and bureaucracy and administrative confusion is often found to be at the heart of poor financial performance.Yet since political aims, economic environment, and administrative and managerial capabilities vary so widely, universal solutions remain more difficult to define than universal problems.

Originally published in 1984, this book grew out of the papers (and discussions) presented at the Seminar conducted at London Business School during March-June 1983, with a focus on the problems of public enterprise in the context of the developing world. Essentially, three facts of thought emerged: first, on the working of public enterprises in developing countries; second, on joint ventures and consultancies involving public enterprises in the two groups of countries; and third, on the value and relevance of experience of public enterprises in developed countries, particularly in the UK, for the developing countries. Broadly, the Chapter 1 belongs to the first category, Chapters 6 and 7 to the second and Chapters 8 to 13 to the third. The concluding review seeks to highlight some of the major issues that deserve notice in the light of the views expressed in the papers and the discussions that took place on them.

An attempt to assist policy-makers in developing countries to cope with the challenges they face during the rest of the century and beyond. For this purpose it provides information on the experience of developing, developed and socialist countries.

Inclusive." --Résumé de l'éditeur.

World Development Report 1994 examines the link between infrastructure and development and explores ways in which developing countries can improve both the provision and the quality of infrastructure services. In recent decades, developing countries have made substantial investments in infrastructure, achieving dramatic gains for households and producers by expanding their access to services such as safe water, sanitation, electric power, telecommunications, and transport. Even more infrastructure investment and expansion are needed in order to extend the reach of services - especially to people living in rural areas and to the poor. But as this report shows, the quantity of investment cannot be the exclusive focus of policy. Improving the quality of infrastructure service also is vital. Both quantity and quality improvements are essential to modernize and diversify production, help countries compete internationally, and accommodate rapid urbanization. The report identifies the basic cause of poor past performance as inadequate institutional incentives for improving the provision of infrastructure. To promote more efficient and responsive service delivery, incentives need to be changed through commercial management, competition, and user involvement. Several trends are helping to improve the performance of infrastructure. First, innovation in technology and in the regulatory management of markets makes more diversity possible in the supply of services. Second, an evaluation of the role of government is leading to a shift from direct government provision of services to increasing private sector provision and recent experience in many countries with public-private partnerships is highlighting new ways to increase efficiency and expand services. Third, increased concern about social and environmental sustainability has heightened public interest in infrastructure design and performance.