Public Interest Must Lead Public-Private Partnerships, Says Andorran Expert

Mónica Reig, academic director of a new leadership and governance programme on public-private collaboration offered by the Andorran family-owned company Empresa Familiar Andorrana in partnership with the University of Andorra (UdA), stresses that the public interest must always take priority in such partnerships.

In an interview, Reig described public-private collaboration not as a matter of volume but of quality. She views it as an extension of public action, structured to deliver positive impact with strong social and political legitimacy. "The key is how the collaboration is designed to generate that impact," she said.

Among its main benefits, Reig highlighted the ability to execute public policies more effectively, provided market conditions and institutional capacity allow. However, she cautioned that the model is neither inherently good nor bad—it depends on the specific policy, context, and planning skills. A common risk, she noted, is focusing on activities rather than measurable outcomes. Her approach emphasises clear indicators to assess public value, ensuring the general interest prevails over private gains.

To balance public and private interests, Reig called for robust training in the public sector. Public administrators must define clear goals and success metrics, acting as the "orchestra conductor" to align all parties toward public objectives. Without solid strategic planning and institutional strength, she warned, achieving this balance proves challenging.

Reig pointed to sectors like infrastructure, social services, and water management where the model has succeeded, citing examples from the US, Europe, and the Netherlands. For housing—a major European challenge alongside ageing populations, climate change, and urban development—she advocated synergy between public and private actors rather than unilateral efforts.

Nordic countries stand out as leaders, she said, thanks to their strong institutions, data-driven planning, and productive markets. The Netherlands also excels. European directives support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by dividing contracts into lots for broader bidding access, including through public procurement.

Transparency plays a vital role, Reig emphasised, given the use of public funds. It ensures accountability, ongoing oversight, and public legitimacy.

Looking ahead, she identified needs to better train public and private actors, improve communication, and focus on territorial or service-specific impacts. While academic efforts like the UdA programme aim to build joint training for executives from both sectors—fostering strategically aligned projects that create public value for Andorra—Reig stressed the importance of public perception that these partnerships serve the common good.