Public-Private Partnership and Circular Economy—What Croatian Students Learn at University

Jasna Bogovac,Domagoj Dodig,Tereza Rogić Lugarić

doi:10.3390/en14113261

Jasna Bogovac, Domagoj Dodig + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113261

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Jun 2, 2021
Citations: 5	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Zagreb, Ministry of Health

Abstract

The global economy has been hit by crises in recent decades and the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to great uncertainty in the possibility of a lasting recovery and an energy transition that will enable sustainable green growth. Budgetary constraints impede the regular delivery of public services, especially in developing countries. Energy efficiency and sustainable economic growth in Croatia can be improved with public-partnership models providing public services. However, this concept is often considered as not appropriate due to many misconceptions in public opinion. We analysed a survey of almost 1500 Croatian students with the aim of verifying the importance of formal education in the recognition of realistic aspects of PPP among the population, which represents important social capital. In comparison to other students, students who have been taught about public-private partnership models at university are more likely to recognise certain misconceptions about public-private partnerships and are more likely to think that it is possible to successfully implement such projects in Croatia. Compared with others, students in the field of energy have shown a greater tendency to apply models of public-private partnership in the energy sector, even though these concern the exploitation of natural resources where there is a traditional tendency to protect the autonomy of public governance. Compared to their male colleagues, female students are more prone to misconceptions about PPPs and are less supportive of private management of public infrastructure.

Highlights

The onset of market shocks in recent decades has posed a challenge to public sector decision-makers to provide sustainable public energy services within increasingly limited budgetary possibilities
This paper has examined the possibility of applying private partnership (PPP) models of energy projects within the circular economy
We have shown that students who obtained information about PPP at university are less likely to believe in common misconceptions about PPP and that they more often believe that PPP models can be successfully implemented in Croatia

Summary

Introduction

The onset of market shocks in recent decades has posed a challenge to public sector decision-makers to provide sustainable public energy services within increasingly limited budgetary possibilities. According to the European Commission [1], in the programming period of 2021–2027, a circular economy plan is to boost energy transition in Europe In this context, the EU Commission has created an action plan [1] that focuses on conducting projects that, by 2050, will create a sustainable green growth model that will contribute more resources to the planet than it takes from the planet. The EU Commission has created an action plan [1] that focuses on conducting projects that, by 2050, will create a sustainable green growth model that will contribute more resources to the planet than it takes from the planet Such an approach requires a significant change of mindset at all levels. While most prosperous EU countries will tend to use traditional public sector financing models, the onset of market shocks and growing fiscal constraints will require the increasing use of alternative models which include greater private sector involvement

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