## Where Does the Public Sector End and the Private Sector Begin?

_IMF Working Papers, June 1, 2009_

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Where Does the Public Sector End and the Private Sector Begin?](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2016/12/31/where-does-the-public-sector-end-and-the-private-sector-begin-23003)

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## Bibliographic details
- Authors: Ian Lienert
- Published: June 1, 2009
- Series: IMF Working Papers
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451872699.001

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### Key findings on boundary definitions
- The boundary between the public and private sectors can be defined on the basis of ownership of institutional units.
- Nonmarket government-owned entities and corporations that are owned or controlled by government units belong to the public sector.
- “Economic ownership” is more important than majority ownership.
- Joint ventures, public-private partnerships, and social insurance funds (including for public employees) can be unambiguously allocated to the public or private sector on the basis of international public sector accounting standards.
- Boundary problems within the public sector are just as acute as those between the public and private sectors, mainly because of ambiguities in distinguishing “market” from “nonmarket” activities.

### Implications for classification and accounting
- Use ownership of institutional units as the primary basis for sector classification.
- Prioritize assessment of “economic ownership” over simple majority shareholdings when determining public sector membership.
- Apply international public sector accounting standards to allocate joint ventures, public-private partnerships, and social insurance funds to the public or private sector.

### Publication and metadata
- Title: Where Does the Public Sector End and the Private Sector Begin?
- Author: Ian Lienert
- Date: June 1, 2009
- Series: Working Paper No. 2009/122
- Issue: 122
- Volume: 2009
- Pages: 30
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451872699.001
- Stock No: WPIEA2009122
- ISBN: 9781451872699
- ISSN: 1018-5941

*IMF Working Papers — Summary and publication details as provided on the source page.*

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2016/12/31/where-does-the-public-sector-end-and-the-private-sector-begin-23003_