Author(s)

Gbenga Ayodeji Osinowo

Paradigms Learning Center LLC, Lawrenceville, USA.

The federal government delayed incorporating the private sector in the coronavirus testing of the people. As a result, early detection of coronavirus cases was hampered in the United States of America. The purpose of this qualitative, case study was to investigate the synergy between the public and private sectors in coronavirus testing. Secondary data were collected regarding the private sector involvement in coronavirus testing through media reports, corporate records, and credible news sources. These data were compiled as raw data and developed into codes, which led to categories and eventually developed into themes. Findings indicate that the delay in the private sector coronavirus testing was due to the government’s quest for political gain to guarantee reelection and the incompetence of the government that could not incorporate and coordinate the early inclusion of the private sector effectively. The findings also show how the government delayed the private sector in coronavirus testing via a rigid governmental control that prevented coronavirus testing at the early stages of the pandemic. The positive policy change of this study recommends adequate mechanisms to guarantee easy integration and coordination between the private and the public sectors in public policy. Also, this paper’s positive social change implication shows that it is compulsory to include the private sector in public policy process, because their expertise is needed to provide expedited public policy to cater to the needs of society.

Corona Virus Testing, Private Sector, Public Sector, Public Policy

Osinowo, G. (2021) Private Sector in Public Policy—An Analysis of Private Sector Involvement in Corona Virus Testing. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 9, 103-117. doi: 10.4236/jss.2021.912009.