The swing of public-private partnership in the Italian hospitals. A comparative analysis of two case studies

After more than a decade since the PPPÕs diffusion in Italy, inspired by foreign experiences, the empirical experiences have highlighted several gaps of the instrument with financial and managerial implications for the public sector. In particular the paper focuses attention on the diffusion and utilization of PPP for building and operating hospital infrastructure. With reference to the value for money, risks and accounting treatment, the initial uncertainty about appropriate measures for evaluating the projects, now, should induce a more accurate reflection. By a comparative analysis of two case studies the paper draws attention to the critical areas that now are leading towards a sort of ÒswingÓ use of PPP.