Daniela-Luminiţa CONSTANTIN
(corresponding author)
Professor, Department of Administration and Public Management, The Faculty of Administration and Public Management, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Tel: 004 021 319 19 01, E-mail: danielaconstantin_2005@yahoo.com
Alina Elena IOSIF
Assistant Professor, Department of Business, Consumer Sciences and Quality Management, The Faculty of Commerce, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Tel: 004 021 319 19 01, E-mail: balalia_alinaelena@yahoo.com
Alina Georgiana PROFIROIU
Associate Professor, Department of Administration and Public Management, The Faculty of Administration and Public Management, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Tel: 004 021 319 19 01, E-mail: alina_profiroiu@yahoo.com
Raluca Mariana GROSU
Assistant Professor, Department of Business, Consumer Sciences and Quality Management, The Faculty of Commerce, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Tel: 004 021 319 19 01, E-mail: petrescu_raluca_mariana@yahoo.com
Abstract
This paper addresses the legal and institutional issues generated by the organising and the provision of services of general interest (SGI) in Romania, with a special emphasis on the territorial distribution of competences and the derived responsibilities. It takes into consideration the classification of competences associated to local authorities as a result of the decentralisation process, which are divided into exclusive, shared and delegated ones. A series of drawbacks, inconsistencies are revealed followed by reflections on the solutions adopted by the authorities in favour of economic liberalisation and sustainable development of the local communities. The cooperation between the public authorities and the business sector is particularly addressed in this respect. In methodological terms, several interviews were conducted both among the general informants, namely academic representatives, policy makers, etc. and the representatives of the services providers, such as practitioners or public-administrators involved in delivering SGI. The former category of interview respondents has generated ideas of a national coverage area, while the latter type of interviewees has presented their perspective on certain localities in Romania, but with wide applicability to other similar areas. The interviewees’ opinions have been mainly focused on the state and the future challenges on SGI in Romania.