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Barriers To Inter-Municipal Cooperation

Author

Listed:
  • Juraj NEMEC

    (Prof. Ing. Juraj Nemec, CSc., Faculty of Economics, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 10, 975 90, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia and Faculty of Economics and Administration, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic)

  • Nikoleta JAKUŠ MUTHOVÁ

    (Ing. Nikoleta Jakuš Muthová, PhD., Faculty of Economics, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 10, 975 90, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia)

  • Beáta MIKUŠOVÁ MERICKOVÁ

    (Prof. Ing. Beáta Mikušová Mericková, PhD. Faculty of Economics, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 10, 975 90, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia)

Abstract

This article investigates barriers to inter-municipal cooperation in Slovakia, a country that is essentially formed of small municipalities. In a fragmented municipal structure, inter-municipal cooperation could be the way to achieve lower costs for service provision while maintaining or even increasing a quality service, taking into account economies of scale. The study aimed to identify the barriers to inter-municipal cooperation in Slovak conditions. The study uses a questionnaire and a qualitative expert opinions method. The potential of cost saving in local public services was identified as a motivation for inter-municipal cooperation. The main identified barriers are transaction costs (of different types), non-existent benchmarks (no regular comparisons of best solutions), and limited motivation to select the optimal mode of service provision.

Suggested Citation

  • Juraj NEMEC & Nikoleta JAKUŠ MUTHOVÁ & Beáta MIKUŠOVÁ MERICKOVÁ, 2023. "Barriers To Inter-Municipal Cooperation," REVISTA ADMINISTRATIE SI MANAGEMENT PUBLIC, Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 2023(41), pages 125-144.
    • Handle: RePEc:rom:rampas:v:2023:y:2023:i:41:p:125-144
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Meričková Beáta Mikušová & Muthová Nikoleta Jakuš, 2021. "Innovative Concept of Providing Local Public Services Based on ICT," NISPAcee Journal of Public Administration and Policy, Sciendo, vol. 14(1), pages 135-167, June.
    2. Thomas Niaounakis & Jos Blank, 2017. "Inter-municipal cooperation, economies of scale and cost efficiency: an application of stochastic frontier analysis to Dutch municipal tax departments," Local Government Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(4), pages 533-554, July.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • H73 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Interjurisdictional Differentials and Their Effects

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