Problems of forming a regional quasi-market of social services: from paternalism to competition

Abstract

The article reflects the results of the analysis of the problems of the formation of a regional quasi-market of social services using the example of the Yaroslavl region in the transition from a state monopoly to competitive relations. It was revealed that the product market boundaries and requirements for the quality of services provided were formed during the Soviet period for state and municipal social services, which creates institutional barriers to entry of socially oriented non-profit organizations into the market. The share of non-governmental social services in the provision of social services in the Yaroslavl region is no more than 20%, and the number of NGOs officially included in the register of social service providers is 3 units. Thus, the authors concluded that the quasi-market of social services is in the process of formation, and it can be described as a “proto-market”. At the same time, it was determined that social oriented NGOs have a number of competitive advantages as providers of social services - they provide low transaction costs for the recipient, an expanded range of services, a greater customer focus. The formation of a sustainable regional model of social services at this stage is associated with further diversification of the subjects of social services, expanding the product boundaries of this market, introducing innovative assistance technologies and increasing both the economic and social efficiency of social services. It seems promising to create a unified regional information system in the Yaroslavl region for providers and recipients of social services, allowing residents of the region to order social services via the Internet with the right to choose a provider and conclude contracts online through authorization on the government services portal.