GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES: Government owned and operated productive activities that operate much like private sector firms. They hire resources and purchase other inputs, then produce goods that are sold through markets. In some cases, government enterprises compete directly with private firms. One common example of a government enterprise is a city-operated electrical generation and distribution system. In some cities, this service is provided by private, for-profit, businesses and in other cities it is provided by government. Other examples of government enterprises include urban transportation systems, parks and recreational facilities, and communication systems. See also | government sector | firm | market | government subsidies |
