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The Serco Institute was established in 1994 to undertake practical research into public service contracting and the design and management of public service markets
The Serco Institute's researched is published in the form of reports, case studies, discussion papers, articles and speeches

Serco Institute

offering thought leadership in the development of sustainable public service markets

Latest News

On this page we post the latest Institute research and opinion.

Shakespeare on Military Contracting: Lessons from History About Private Contracting  
Gary Sturgess
Journal of International Peace Operations - March 2010 
Sir John Falstaff, the popular tragi-comic character from Henry IV, V and The Merry Wives of Windsor , was loosely based on the real figure of John Falstof, a Knight of the Garter and successful military contractor, who spent much of his life fighting for the English crown in France during the Hundred Years War. This article explores how the "rotund fool" of literary legend squares with the historical facts of 15th century military enterprise.

The Color of Government
Gary Sturgess
Journal of International Peace Operations - January 2010 
From the 1817 opening of London Bridge to Rev. Awdry's legendary Thomas the Tank Engine stories, colour has played an instructive and distinctive role in the history of public service provision. This article reviews the significance of colour throughout this history, and its promise of innovation, choice and diversity. It originally appeared in the Journal of International Peace Operations, January-February 2010.

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Last Updated: 05 March 2010