Session Description:

Should we privatize essential activities such as health, education, and prisons? Private entrepreneurs can elevate public innovations but private engagement is not a single, straightforward solution to improve the well-being of the target populations and cannot be framed as a way to replace ineffective governments. Rather, it requires capable governments setting clear goals, addressing potential hazards of private engagement, and exploring multiple, plural paths of improvement. In this session, I will discuss conditions in which private firms can promote effective and inclusive services, with the presence and joint action of capable governments.   

BEFORE THE CLASS

Each masterclass has some readings and discussion questions for you to work on before the masterclass. There are pre-masterclass readings or videos, as well as pre-masterclass discussion questions. 

After you complete your Preclass Materials, sign on to Discord 1 hour before your masterclass start time. You will submit your responses to the pre-masterclass questions in the associated #prof-chat channel in Discord. Then, visit a Discord Meeting Room to discuss the Pre-Masterclass Discussion Questions with your peers. This ensures you are prepared for the masterclass.

Pre-Masterclass Reading 

1. The Right Privatization: Why Private Firms in Public Initiatives Need Capable Governments

2. Private Firms, Public Initiatives

Pre-Masterclass Questions

1. Do you think that essential activities such as education, health, security, and transportation should generally be provided by public (state-owned) units or should instead be generally provided by privately owned firms? What are the opportunities and risks involved?

2. Are there activities or public services that should not be outsourced to private firms?

3. Do you think that private entrepreneurship in critical public services can help replace bad or inefficient governments? Or should governments be somewhat involved even when those activities are run by private firms?

DURING THE CLASS

After completing the pre-masterclass discussion with your peers in Discord, go to the "Events" channel for the Zoom link to your Masterclass. The Zoom link will also be sent via email 1 hour before the session begins.The session will typically last between 60-90 minutes

Reminders of Good Behavior Expectations During the Session:

• Make sure your name is presented in the Aspire format: "FirstName LastName | Country"

• Raise your hand if you would like to be called on

• Please keep your communication on topic and related to the session

• Be respectful and kind to the faculty, our staff, and your fellow participants.

AFTER THE CLASS

Towards the end of the masterclass session, the Aspire team will share out a link to an attendance form. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit at least one attendance form. We will not personally remind you -- it is on you to get the link and indicate that you have attended the session.

The form will be live for 3 hours after the masterclass ends. After that, it can no longer be submitted.

If you miss the window to submit the attendance form, or if you missed the link, you have to attend an additional masterclass. In order to complete the program, you must submit at least one attendance form.