Making sense of the definition of public-private partnerships
Built Environment Project and Asset Management
ISSN: 2044-124X
Article publication date: 24 November 2023
Issue publication date: 11 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the widespread study and application of public-private partnerships (PPPs) since the 1980s, the field lacks a universally accepted definition that captures the concept's complexity. This study aims to offer a definition and foster a more substantive and comprehensive discourse on PPPs to improve communication and understanding between academics and practitioners from diverse disciplines and legislative backgrounds.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded in the family-resemblance concept proposed by German philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, this study conducts a comprehensive literature review to identify core and non-core elements frequently cited in PPP descriptions. The authors used these findings to develop the PPP sunflower model as a structured framework for defining PPPs.
Findings
The analysis elucidates six core elements consistently present in PPP descriptions: clarity of roles and responsibilities, appropriate risk allocation and sharing, injection of expertise and resources, cooperation and teamwork, a bundle of services, and long-term contracts. Coupled with identified non-core elements, these core components comprise the PPP sunflower model, a structured framework for defining PPPs that accommodates their multi-faceted nature.
Originality/value
The PPP sunflower model distinguishes itself as a unique contribution to the PPP literature. It offers a rigorous theoretical framework that can elucidate the complexity of PPPs for various stakeholders. The model serves as a practical tool for evaluating the authenticity and viability of PPP projects. The study's novelty lies in its adoption of the family-resemblance concept, thereby providing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional framework that enhances the understanding of PPPs across different disciplines and legislative contexts.
Keywords
Citation
Ke, Y., Cheng, Z., Zhang, J. and Liu, Y. (2024), "Making sense of the definition of public-private partnerships", Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 4-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-01-2023-0009
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited