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How public and private sectors build big ideas - and how you could too

What do new hospitals, universities, and transport networks have in common? They often exist thanks to partnerships between the public and private sectors. At GaPP's Lunch & Learn on October 8, students got a behind-the-scenes look at how these collaborations, and the people behind them, make large-scale public projects happen.

The event featured Edward Farquharson, Principal Adviser at the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Liisa Raasakka, Head of the EIB Group Office for Sweden. Together, they unpacked the concept of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) - agreements where private companies take on the financing and delivery of public projects and only get paid once the service is up and running.

The result? Better risk management, more efficient delivery, and long-term thinking - all things that are often missing in traditional public projects. PPPs are behind much of Europe's critical infrastructure, from hospitals to universities, and the EIB plays a key role in making them happen by lending to private partners and advising governments through its European PPP Expertise Centre (EPEC).

"These partnerships encourage innovation and accountability - they bring together the best of both worlds", explained Farquharson.


Liisa Raasakka. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg

But the talk wasn't only about finance and infrastructure. It was also about career paths for students who want to work on shaping Europe's future.

Liisa Raasakka presented the EIB Traineeship Programme and the Junior Professional Programme, which offer recent graduates hands-on experience at one of Europe's most influential financial institutions. These are opportunities to work on real projects, learn from experts, and gain a foothold in international finance - with strong support for growth and development.

"We're looking for curious people who want to make a difference," said Raasakka. "If you're interested in how policy, finance, and innovation connect - the EIB is the place to explore that".

Around 45 students attended the session, filling room A336 with questions and discussion - from the technicalities of risk-sharing in PPPs to what it's like to work at the EIB in Luxembourg.

Didn't make it this time? Don't worry - GaPP's Lunch & Learn series will return with more interactive sessions connecting students with policymakers, economists, and international experts.

Bring your curiosity (and grab your free lunch) - you might just discover your next big idea.


Our phenomenal student workers. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg


Farquharson and Raasakka. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg

Engaged students during the hour-long lunch lecture. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg

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