Assessing the Performance Advantage of Public-Private Partnerships

A Comparative Perspective

Edited by Stefan Verweij, Assistant Professor of Infrastructure Planning, Governance and Methodology, Department of Spatial Planning and Environment, University of Groningen, Ingmar van Meerkerk, Associate Professor of Public Administration, Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Carter B. Casady, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, UK and Senior Fellow, Center for Transportation Public-Private Partnership Policy, George Mason University, US

This timely book questions the premise that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have a performance advantage over traditionally procured projects, an assumption that motivates policymakers worldwide to enter into such contracts. Taking stock of novel research comparing the differences in performance between PPP and traditionally procured infrastructure projects and services, the chapters in this book thoughtfully scrutinise this supposed advantage.

“Verweij van Meerkerk, Casady产生了the definitive volume on a question that has haunted infrastructure delivery for decades: Do public-private partnerships offer real performance advantages relative to traditional delivery? This book provides insightful, applicable answers. Anyone – both scholars and practitioners – wishing to better understand that compelling question should use this as their standard reference.’
– Rick Geddes, Cornell University, US

‘In this inspiring volume, a great selection of well-known scholars tackle the most challenging question about PPPs in a convincing way: are public private partnerships indeed better than traditional procurement in terms of delivering on time, on cost and with good service quality? Studying cases from different continents and a range of relevant sectors with sound methodologies, this volume is a must-read for students and scholars studying PPPs, but also for practitioners and policy makers who want to go beyond the rhetoric and beliefs about the performance advantage of PPPs when deciding upon the best way of delivering economic or social infrastructure to society.’
– Koen Verhoest, University of Antwerp, Belgium

‘The global expansion of public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects warrants careful performance assessment. This book addresses this timely topic and offers a highly useful framework for understanding the performance challenges of PPPs. Covering empirical experiences across three continents, this well-structured book is indispensable reading for PPP researchers and practitioners alike.’
– Ole Helby Petersen, Roskilde University, Denmark