Graeme A. Hodge, Carsten Greve and Eoin Reeves bring together expert authors to explore 50 years of research and analysis in the complex field of privatisation. The Research Handbook highlights current issues and challenges in privatisation through relevant contemporary examples, to further our understanding of this economic concept and how it is shaping global policies.

Acknowledging the ongoing discussions surrounding the performance of both the public and private sectors, this Research Handbook explores the evidence and controversy within ‘traditional privatisation’ research and addresses emerging conversations within the privatisation debate. The Research Handbook tackles fundamental conceptual and definitional issues, frames privatisation within a broader set of ideas about the control of activities in the public realm by private actors and explores new privatisation battles. Contemporary areas covered range from entire health care systems, housing, urban planning and finance to areas such as the governance of the internet, the role of global private foundations and space exploration. Overall, this Research Handbook concludes that the topic of privatisation, and what it means for citizens in a democracy, is now more important and relevant than ever.

Providing a balanced overview of privatisation policy debates, this Research Handbook is essential reading for students and scholars of economic regulation and governance, public and private sector economics and public administration and management. Public and private policy makers will also find the insights presented here beneficial.