This publication by IASIA, International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration, discusses the diversification of methods of public service provision.
Public service provision refers to public utility services, supplied directly or indirectly by local, regional, national or supranational authorities. The authorities can for example finance, manage and create the legal structure that makes it possible to provide basic services such as water and electricity, in order to ensure access for all.
Indirectly, they can also subsidise, regulate or support in some way or other those private or non-profit organisations that distribute food and clothing or offer housing services, medical or social care to the population.