Janne Sinisammal, Pekka Leviäkangas, Tommi Autio and Elina Hyrkäs
– The purpose of this paper is to probe experiences of entrepreneurs in the social and health care service provision.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to probe experiences of entrepreneurs in the social and health care service provision.
Design/methodology/approach
Information was collected regarding entrepreneurs’ views on the factors affecting the collaboration between public and private sectors. A sample of social and health care entrepreneurs was interviewed using open-ended questions. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive content analysis.
Findings
Three main categories of factors affecting the success of partnership were identified: the nature of partnership, business aspects and tension builders.
Research limitations/implications
The research was undertaken in rural Finland and the sample consisted 13 entrepreneurs. The results must be considered as observations with more generalised conclusions.
Practical implications
The results of this study support municipalities in their social and health care service strategy work and especially in consideration of how to also facilitate a fruitful public-private partnership (PPP)-framework, which will largely depend on mutual understanding and consensus.
Originality/value
The reform of the social and health care system has raised intensive public debate throughout Europe. Key issues include the reorganising of social and health care processes as well as PPPs in provision of services. This study observes the views and experiences of private entrepreneurs and points out where some potential problems and solutions of social and health care PPPs are.