The gradual corporatization of transport infrastructure: The Danish case

Abstract

The article introduces the theoretical perspective on gradual institutional change to the corporatization literature. This is achieved via a longitudinal case study on the institutionalization of the Danish state guarantee model (SGM) for transport infrastructure based on archival document studies of seven infrastructure projects and 31 interviews with elite actors and experts. The article explores with a detailed analysis how the gradual change mechanisms of layering, conversion and displacement coexist, are interrelated, and are coevolving over a long period. It contributes to the corporatization literature presenting the SGM as an alternative to public and private partnerships and government agencies. 1 | INTRODUCTION Before last fall [2017] nobody truly understood how it actually works, the model you are about to describe.

Ending the Transformation before the Goal is Fulfilled: The Case of Head Start

“…Many works have demonstrated the existence and evolution of gradual transformative changes (Béland, 2007; Christensen & Grossi, 2022; Galvin & Hacker, 2020; Hacker, 2004; Mahoney & Thelen, 2010; Streeck & Thelen, 2005; van der Heijden & Kuhlmann, 2017). Although a gradual path seems an appropriate substitute for an abrupt one, so far, we do not know whether, over time, it can meet actors’ initial goals.…”

“…Gradual transformative change is usually not carefully planned. It evolves in an ad-hoc nature by seizing institutional and political opportunities (Christensen & Grossi, 2022; Hacker et al, 2015; Koreh et al, 2019; Mahoney & Thelen, 2010; Streeck & Thelen, 2005). In some cases, the small-scale changes are experimental ones whose effect is not fully known, especially once expanded.…”

“…The accumulation of reliable information and the change in the level of conflict can lead to policy learning. Actors can learn about the limitations of the gradual path or the selected strategy (Christensen & Grossi, 2022; Galvin & Hacker, 2020; Koreh et al, 2019) or the inappropriateness of the tools to meet the goal.…”

Corporatization of public services

“…Scholars have sporadically addressed the broader history of the corporatization of public services (e.g. Skelcher 2017; Leopold and McDonald 2012), the antecedents of corporatization at the local level (see Tavares 2017), its institutionalization (Christensen & Grossi, forthcoming) and subsequent performance effects (see Voorn et al 2017). There is also a small, but growing literature on the corporate governance of state‐owned enterprises, which addresses issues of accountability in corporatized public services (e.g.…”