What is the term for selling state-owned industries to private investors?

The term for selling state-owned industries to private investors is privatization. This process involves transferring ownership of public sector assets or services to private sector entities. The significance of privatization lies in its potential to increase efficiency and productivity by introducing competition, as well as its capacity to reduce the financial burden on the government. It often aims to enhance service quality and lower costs for consumers.

In contrast, nationalization refers to the process of transferring private industry into public ownership, where the government gains control of previously privately held businesses. Regulation involves government rules and standards set to control behavior in industries or sectors, ensuring competition, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability. Socialization typically refers to societal processes or practices rather than economic frameworks concerning ownership. Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify the role of government in economic systems and the impact on society.