The term "services of general interest" (SGI) includes the provision of those services and infrastructures that the population needs for their daily reproduction. The provision of SGI is directly or indirectly influenced by global change processes such as climate change, economic and technological progress, demographic change and the pluralization of society. By setting minimum standards, equal conditions for access to services of general interest can be created for the entire population.
The European Union is committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to basic services such as health, education, mobility and the supply of everyday goods. This is reflected in EU directives and initiatives that aim to ensure a high quality of life and equal living conditions in all member states. Services of general interest play a central role not only at EU level, but also in Austria. The Austrian Spatial Development Concept (ÖREK 2030) of the Austrian Spatial Planning Conference (ÖROK), adopted in October 2021, aims to increase the quality of life through appropriate and accessible services of general interest and to create equal living conditions. To achieve these goals, the ÖROK members have formulated recommendations for action, including the establishment of minimum standards and principles for services of general interest. The regional strategy of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML) also aims to improve the quality of life in all regions of Austria.
A Part A of the MIDAS study is devoted to analysing the initial situation and the basis for establishing principles and minimum standards in services of general interest in Austria. It examines the central legal and informal documents that contain minimum standards for SGI. A Part B examines the negotiation processes that have already taken place in various regions and describes the different forms of cooperation that have been developed for the needs and location planning of services of general interest.
The aim of the study is to prepare conclusions that are as relevant and practical as possible for stakeholders (federal government, states, cities, municipalities, providers of infrastructure and public services, regions, etc.).
Several methods are used in the study. First, in Part A, literature and secondary study analyses are carried out to illustrate the driving processes of SGI. A document analysis is used to determine existing legal and informal minimum standards for SGI in selected sectors. In order to systematically assess the impact of external drivers on SGI, MIDAS develops a standardized survey for experts in the form of a decision matrix.
To deepen the analysis, a project Part B examines case study regions. For this purpose, a quick check is developed for experts’ assessment of the current supply situation with public services in a particular region. In addition, workshops and interviews with regional experts are conducted to gain qualitative insights and assessments from practice.
A final report of MIDAS will be published in DAFNE, the open database of BML.
01.09.2023 – 30.09.2024
This project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML)