Public sector outsourcing, in the form of private production of tax-financed services, is on the increase with economic and social consequences for consumers, taxpayers, and employees. The development has given rise to so-called quasi-markets with choice and competition between public, for-profit, and non-profit providers. By introducing the main characteristics of quasi-markets with a focus on prices, this article provides background perspectives. It sets the stage for the other six articles on public sector outsourcing in this special issue of the journal.

中文翻译：

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公共部门外包的观点：准市场和价格

以私人生产形式提供税收资助服务的公共部门外包正在增加，给消费者，纳税人和雇员带来经济和社会后果。这种发展引起了所谓的准市场，在公共，营利性和非营利性提供者之间进行选择和竞争。通过介绍以价格为重点的准市场的主要特征，本文提供了背景观点。这为该期杂志的其他六篇有关公共部门外包的文章奠定了基础。