The Public Sector is typically composed of organizations owned and operated by the government, existing to provide essential services to citizens. These services include education (schools, libraries), electricity, emergency services, fire services, gas and oil, healthcare, infrastructure, law enforcement, police services, postal services, public transport, social services, and waste management. The public sector may also offer services that non-payers cannot be excluded from, such as street lighting, as well as services that benefit society as a whole rather than just individual users. It plays a crucial role in a country's political, economic, and social stability and serves as a key instrument for implementing overall government policies.
The public sector is organized at three levels: Federal or National, Regional (State or Provincial), and Local (Municipal or County).
The size of the public sector relative to other industries varies by country due to differences in government policies and the extent of outsourcing. Estimates based on public sector employment indicate that Scandinavian countries lead globally, with public employment exceeding 30%, whereas in many Asian countries, this figure is below 10%.
Funding for public services is typically raised through various methods, including taxes, fees, and financial transfers from other levels of government. In some cases, the public sector collaborates with private organizations through public-private partnerships. Additionally, through outsourcing, public sector organizations frequently engage private enterprises to deliver goods and services to citizens.
Trends:
