Ownership and sustainability of Italian water utilities: The stakeholder role. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: D'Amore, Gabriella; Landriani, Loris; Lepore, Luigi
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 71(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Water governance -- Ownership -- Performance sustainability -- Italian water utilities -- Social equity; Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2021.101228
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: After several decades, the political and academic debate on water governance is still dominated by arguments about whether private sector involvement increases both efficiency and the level of investment within the industry. These arguments could appear reductive, especially in a context like Italy, which is dominated by public and mixed-ownership water utilities. The aim of this paper is to analyze how the socio-economic context and stakeholders' interests can influence the relationship between ownership structure and water utilities' sustainability performances. Analyzing six case studies, this research shows that the institutional context may influence both the water governance and utilities' performance. The theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. Highlights: This study analyses the role socio-economic context and stakeholders' interests play on the relationship between ownership structure and water utilities' sustainability performances. This study is based on six Italian case studies. Stakeholder expectations, their socio-economic conditions, and the institutional context play a crucial role in influencing both utility performances and the water governance model.