Public Task Fulfilment in a Small State: The Example of the Principality of Liechtenstein

The book presents the results of a research project that analyses the public task fulfilment of small states using the example of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The initial hypothesis, "Small States differ significantly from larger States in the performance of public tasks", can be systematically divided into the following aspects: Differences in the performance of public tasks are primarily reflected in the task priorities, the task mode or the expenditure intensity. Of particular interest here is the question of which services a (small) state must fulfil itself for reasons of sovereignty, identity and prosperity and which it can "outsource". While an empirical comparison with Switzerland and Austria largely confirms the initial hypothesis, results for individual areas of responsibility deviate conspicuously from the expectations arising from the economic-theoretical approach. The reasons for these deviations are analysed in detail in case studies.