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Public–private partnerships (PPPs) and sustainability have received considerable attention in delivery and execution of transportation infrastructure projects in the United States. Existing sustainability rating tools are neither designed nor suitable for PPPs due to unbalanced weights among the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability and the lack of additional considerations beyond the TBL. This study proposes and validates an integrated sustainability assessment framework that aims to capture all of the relevant and important decision factors in terms of assessing the sustainability of PPP highway projects in a comprehensive manner. Through literature review, semistructured interviews, and questionnaire surveys featuring Delphi and analytic hierarchy process techniques, a list of applicable assessment factors (five dimensions, 18 indicators, and 65 subindicators) and their respective weights and priorities were identified. Based on these assessment factors, the proposed framework seeks to determine PPP projects’ level of achievement in terms of sustainable practices. The framework was validated for its applicability and usability for US PPP highway projects through an online survey. Results show that the economic/ financial dimension is the most important dimension for highway PPP experts, followed by contractual, technical, environmental, and social dimensions in descending order by relative importance. This calls for additional attention to be paid to environmental and social sustainability considerations in PPP highway projects. Meanwhile, the results also reflect an urgent need for improved sustainability planning and awareness among stakeholders of PPP highway projects [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need for climate action and sustainable development has elevated the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in climate finance. While PPPs are crucial for mobilizing resources for climate finance, the factors influencing the willingness of different stakeholders to participate in these partnerships are not well understood. This study employs a multifaceted analytical approach, integrating theoretical insights from Stakeholder Theory, Transaction Cost Economics, and Agency Theory. We conduct a Tobit regression analysis to investigate the determinants of willingness to participate in climate finance PPPs among three key stakeholder groups: Governors, Firms, and the Public. Using survey data collected from over 1600 participants in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, this research examines the influence of perceived benefits, perceptions of PPPs, the importance of climate finance, trust and transparency, and multilateral support on stakeholders' willingness to participate in PPPs for climate finance. The analysis reveals that the perceived benefits of PPPs and trust and transparency universally enhance the willingness to participate across all groups of stakeholders. However, the impact of positive perceptions of PPPs varies, playing a crucial role for firms and the public but not for governors. The study also highlights the significance of understanding and emphasizing the importance of climate finance, particularly when combined with trust and transparency, in encouraging stakeholder participation. Furthermore, by revealing the varied impacts of determinants across stakeholder groups, this research points to the necessity of adopting differentiated approaches to maximize participation in PPPs for climate finance, thereby supporting sustainable development and climate action goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, different governments face serious challenges related to the conservation of their heritage assets. Therefore, the necessity emerged to look for other alternatives beyond the traditional ones, where PPP is one of these substitutions. Nevertheless, the implementation of PPP in heritage conservation is still restricted. Thus, this research tries to fill the void in the knowledge gap by investigating the potential pitfalls that would undermine PPPs in heritage conservation. This has been fulfilled through analysing the case of Varaždin County Palace in Croatia, whereby a semi-structured interview is used for data collection. This research has identified a group of five main pitfalls that prohibit the effective implementation of PPPs in built heritage, namely political commitment, a lack of understanding of the nature of PPPs among public bodies, the lack of a sound economic environment, the non-competitive characteristics of private operators, and misrepresentation of PPPs in Croatia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the state's contemporary role in capital accumulation in the development of public land. In the literature, it is argued that the state goes beyond a regulatory role and participates in the capital-accumulation process as the owner of land or financial assets derived from land-based revenue, thus transforming from an external to an internal actor. It is argued that, in this way, the state governs urban development and the distribution of the land rent. This article argues that in the privatisation of land before development, the state is involved as the regulator and landowner, as suggested in the literature; however, when the state participates in the development of public land through public-private partnerships led by entrepreneurial state agencies and state-owned companies, it is also involved in production, trade and finance. In the latter case, the state manipulates the distribution, and its revenue consists not only of land rent but also of profit. Based on Marx's analysis of the total circuit of capital, which does not include the forms of state involvement, the article attempts to elucidate contemporary transformations in the state-capital relationship in the development of public land. It claims that the new government strategies aim to address problems of capital accumulation and state finance through land development. The article is based on an analysis of official data on the practices and revenue of three state agencies engaged in land privatisation and development in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa has two fully privatised prisons, each housing some 3,000 prisoners. Their history has been mired in controversy from the start, and this has not improved over a period of nearly 25 years. Recent events affecting the security and integrity of the two facilities provide a useful opportunity to reflect on these private prisons as well as wider issues regarding private sector involvement in the prison system. The intersection of politics, organised labour, private sector interests, and corruption have in all likelihood rung the death knell for private prisons in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographies of public–private partnership (PPP) are an important but neglected topic in urban development and planning. Few existing studies have explored the spatial heterogeneity of PPP development in different regions within a country. This article aims to explore the impact of uneven regional development on PPP development and spatial governance for PPPs as a response. First, the concept of variegated PPPs is proposed to portray and analyze the impact of uneven regional development on PPPs from the dimensions of complexity, regional differences, and the spatialization of policy based on China. Second, a conceptual framework is constructed for PPP spatial governance as a response that includes the actors, driving forces, processes, patterns, and regulations. Finally, the underlying mechanism and implications of PPP spatial governance are discussed. This article concludes that spatial governance is conducive to the development of PPPs in developing countries and promotes the performance of PPPs and policymaking. When formulating and adjusting PPP-related policies, governments from developing countries should tailor the policies to their national conditions and consider regional differences inside a country. Therefore, this article might have reference value for other countries, especially developing countries with rapid urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internationally, brownfield regeneration projects are delivered through public-private partnerships that form complex legal and structural delivery mechanisms. Utilizing private-sector finance and skills is an accepted practice to reduce financial risk for the public sector while delivering profits for the private sector. This article explores three international brownfield regeneration schemes. It highlights how and why financial risk remains within the public sector from the outset or returns to the public sector over time, despite the initial rhetoric for this burden to be carried mainly by the private sector. The analysis improves the empirical understanding of financial risk dynamics in brownfield regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the quest for quality antenatal care (ANC) and positive pregnancy experience, the value of comprehensive woman hand-held case notes cannot be emphasised enough. However, the woman's health passport book in Malawi presents gaps which hinder provision of quality care, especially during pregnancy. We aimed to develop a compressive updated woman hand-held case notes tool (health passport book) which reflects WHO 2016 ANC guidelines in Malawi. Methods: From July 2022 to August 2022, we applied a co-creative participatory approach in 3 workshops with key stakeholders to compare the current ANC tool contents to the WHO 2016 ANC guidelines, decide on key elements to be changed to improve adherence and change in practice, and redesign the woman's health passport tool to reflect the changes. Within-group discussions led to whole-group discussions and consensus, guided by a modified nominal group technique. Facilitators guided the discussions while ensuring autonomy of the group members in their deliberations. Discussions were recorded and transcribed. Data was analysed through thematic analysis, and reduction and summaries in affinity diagrams. The developed tool was endorsed for implementation within Malawi's healthcare system by the national safe motherhood technical working group (TWG) in July 2023. Results: Five themes were identified in the analysis. These were (i) critical components in the current tool missed, (ii) reimagining the current ANC tool, (iii) opportunity for ultrasound scanning conduct and documentation, (iv) anticipated barriers related to implementation of the newly developed tool and (v) cultivating successful implementation. Participants further recommended strengthening of already existing policies and investments in health, strengthening public private partnerships, and continued capacity building of healthcare providers to ensure that their skill sets are up to date. Conclusion: Achieving goals of quality ANC and universality of healthcare are possible if tools in practice reflect the guidelines set out. Our efforts reflect a pioneering attempt in Malawi to improve women's hand-held case notes, which we know help in enhancing quality of care and improve overall women's satisfaction with their healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Equatorial Guinea Malaria Vaccine Initiative (EGMVI) highlights how long-term African government and international energy industry investment, plus novel partnerships, can enable clinical development of vaccines in Africa, for Africa. We review achievements and challenges of this pioneering, award-winning, public–private partnership which offers a model for future Africa-centric clinical research and development (R&D). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public–private partnership (PPP) stakeholders have gained traction for their potential to create long-term value. Extant literature emphasizes the importance of suitable stakeholder management strategies, yet the analysis of such strategies has traditionally been conducted from the viewpoint of the responsible parties (i.e., the PPP consortium and the contracting agency) because these are the stakeholders in charge of developing the project and delivering its much-expected benefits. While extant literature often focuses on the interests of either responsible stakeholders or impacted stakeholders, this study addresses the critical but underexplored dynamics involving the wide arrangement of responsible, impacted, and interested stakeholders encompassing diverse groups, such as local communities, interest groups, advisors, local governments, users, and debt providers, who interact and shape project outcomes. Drawing lessons from a multiple-case study involving two mature toll road markets composed of 49 projects, this research reveals the main stakeholders' issues at three different levels: institutional, organizational, and project. To address these challenges, a relational governance model is proposed where each identified stakeholder should play a specific role in key decisions made in specific project phases. This study provides insights into stakeholder dynamics in user-pay transport PPPs, offering solutions for enhanced engagement and project outcomes. This research offers relevant theoretical contributions to rethinking the roles of impacted and interested stakeholders in PPPs, and these insights have practical implications for improving stakeholder engagement, risk management, and project outcomes in user-pay transportation PPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China initiated the Medical Alliances (MAs) reform to enhance resource allocation efficiency and ensure equitable healthcare. In response to challenges posed by the predominance of public hospitals, the reform explores public-private partnerships within the MAs. Notably, private hospitals can now participate as either leading or member institutions. This study aims to evaluate the dynamic shifts in market share between public and private hospitals across diverse MAs models. Methods: Data spanning April 2017 to March 2019 for Dangyang County's MA and January 2018 to December 2019 for Qianjiang County's MA were analyzed. Interrupted periods occurred in April 2018 and January 2019. Using independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and interrupted time series analysis (ITSA), we compared the proportion of hospital revenue, the proportion of visits for treatment, and the average hospitalization days of discharged patients between leading public hospitals and leading private hospitals, as well as between member public hospitals and member private hospitals before and after the reform. Results: After the MAs reform, the revenue proportion decreased for leading public and private hospitals, while member hospitals saw an increase. However, ITSA revealed a notable rise trend in revenue proportion for leading private hospitals (p < 0.001), with a slope of 0.279% per month. Member public and private hospitals experienced decreasing revenue proportions, with outpatient visits proportions declining in member public hospitals by 0.089% per month (p < 0.05) and inpatient admissions proportions dropping in member private hospitals by 0.752% per month (p < 0.001). The average length of stay in member private hospitals increased by 0.321 days per month after the reform (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study underscores the imperative to reinforce oversight and constraints on leading hospitals, especially private leading hospitals, to curb the trend of diverting patients from member hospitals. At the same time, for private hospitals that are at a disadvantage in competition and may lead to unreasonable prolongation of hospital stay, this kind of behavior can be avoided by strengthening supervision or granting leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by Karen Knop's distinctive approach to international legal scholarship, and by her writings on gender and diplomacy, this article explores the centrality of households and household hierarchies in the international law of diplomacy as well as their significance for understanding hierarchy and privilege in international law more broadly. This argument is developed by attention, especially, to the negotiation history and text of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR). Diplomatic premises have been organized around hierarchy in ways that are apparent in the text and travaux préparatoires of the VCDR, the article shows, and the diplomatic premises so configured do work in international legal discourse beyond being expressly defined and protected by international law. Those premises afford a model of how statehood should be performed and how states should relate to one another, helping to normalize hierarchy within and between states, and to entrench gendered hierarchies (in combination with class and racial hierarchies) in diplomatic work. The article demonstrates how attention to the role of hierarchy 'at home' in diplomatic work, in the hybrid, public-private space of the diplomatic household, can elucidate international law's deep investment in maintaining privilege. This it illustrates by examining a recent dispute between Equatorial Guinea and France before the International Court of Justice over the status of the Paris residence of one of Equatorial Guinea's senior diplomatic representatives, viewed against the backdrop of France's ongoing resistance to reparations claims against the French state for its practices of colonial pillage and enslavement. Yet its defence of privilege notwithstanding, diplomacy's typical residential, state capital-based model is undergoing change and has in fact long been a focus of strategic re-articulation through protest. The article concludes by querying whether diplomatic households could be regarded, counter-intuitively, as legal spaces of possibility for the recomposition of relations on the international legal plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we aim to show that the spherical tokamak (ST) device with high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets could offer the quickest and lowest risk path to develop commercial fusion energy, which may be significantly advanced by the use of private–public partnerships. Our starting point is based on what we have learned and will continue to learn from publicly funded research on STs. Keeping prototype ST devices and HTS magnets small has enabled rapid innovation toward a commercial goal. Our ST40 compact, high field ST has proven exceptional performance, with plasma ion temperatures over 100 × 106 °C (above 8 keV) and a record triple product for any private company (n T τE ∼ 1019 keV s/m3). Meanwhile, our robust, compact, quench-safe, HTS magnets can routinely achieve over 24 T. We now have results of great interest to fusion scientists, so as well as pursuing our commercial goals, we are contributing to scientific progress in fusion. Opportunities to participate in public–private partnerships are emerging with Tokamak Energy already selected for the U.S. Department of Energy milestone program and well-positioned to participate in the U.K. Government Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production program. Other countries are likely to adopt similar approaches as the need for rapid development of fusion energy becomes ever more apparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public–private partnership models designed to facilitate greater collaboration have become increasingly popular. Scholarship on these partnerships has shown that they rely less on contracts and more on trust between partners, engage private partners early to allow for participation in project visioning, and prioritize shared decision making. However, there is a need to further define collaborative partnerships and distinguish them from more conventional models. In addition, research into the impacts of collaborative partnerships within planning processes is limited, and additional insights into their administrative structures, management, and internal dynamics is needed. I respond to these gaps by analyzing the collaborative co-creation public–private partnership formed to plan a smart city in the Quayside district of Toronto (Canada). Drawing on interviews (N = 35), participant observation, and document analysis, I found that those qualities of the Quayside partnership typical of collaborative partnership models reduced governmental oversight, facilitated conflicts of interest, and afforded the private partner substantial power. The challenges precipitated by the partnership structure were amplified through its application in a smart city context, where the private partner was a technology corporation with expansive resources and ambitions. Based on these findings, I argue that collaborative partnerships pose significant risks of privatizing planning processes and that these risks are heightened when asymmetries between partners are particularly stark. Planners should not allow a desire for greater collaboration to overshadow the necessity of divisions between public and private roles, because tension between the two is vital to partnership success. If seeking deeper collaboration, planners should ensure that responsibilities are clearly detailed in contracts to avoid ambiguities or conflicts of interest. This is especially important in projects where power differentials between partners are too significant to rely solely on trust instead of contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the success of the RESCEU and PROMISE initiatives, which are European public-private partnerships aimed at preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The RESCEU initiative, launched in 2017, focused on deepening understanding of RSV through collaboration between researchers and scientists from the public and private sectors. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative produced high-quality research that informed policy on RSV surveillance and recommendations for RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. The PROMISE initiative, funded in 2021, aims to build on the achievements of RESCEU and address remaining key questions about RSV. The article highlights the need for continued collaboration in infectious disease prevention and control to develop life-saving interventions and ensure equitable access. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Public–private partnerships (PPP) are often how health improvement programs are implemented in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We therefore aimed to systematically review the literature about the aim and impacts of quality improvement (QI) approaches in PPP in LMICs. Methods: We searched SCOPUS and grey literature for studies published before March 2022. One reviewer screened abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion. The study characteristics, setting, design, outcomes, and lessons learned were abstracted using a standard tool and reviewed in detail by a second author. Results: We identified 9,457 citations, of which 144 met the inclusion criteria and underwent full-text abstraction. We identified five key themes for successful QI projects in LMICs: 1) leadership support and alignment with overarching priorities, 2) local ownership and engagement of frontline teams, 3) shared authentic learning across teams, 4) resilience in managing external challenges, and 5) robust data and data visualization to track progress. We found great heterogeneity in QI tools, study designs, participants, and outcome measures. Most studies had diffuse aims and poor descriptions of the intervention components and their follow-up. Few papers formally reported on actual deployment of private-sector capital, and either provided insufficient information or did not follow the formal PPP model, which involves capital investment for a explicit return on investment. Few studies discussed the response to their findings and the organizational willingness to change. Conclusions: Many of the same factors that impact the success of QI in healthcare in high-income countries are relevant for PPP in LMICs. Vague descriptions of the structure and financial arrangements of the PPPs, and the roles of public and private entities made it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions about the impacts of the organizational governance on the outcomes of QI programs in LMICs. While we found many articles in the published literature on PPP-funded QI partnerships in LMICs, there is a dire need for research that more clearly describes the intervention details, implementation challenges, contextual factors, leadership and organizational structures. These details are needed to better align incentives to support the kinds of collaboration needed for guiding accountability in advancing global health. More ownership and power needs to be shifted to local leaders and researchers to improve research equity and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic growth is dependent on well-skilled human capital. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes are paramount in provision of the requisite capabilities which encompass both academic and non-academic skills also known as whole youth development (WYD) skills. Youths leaving training institutions in Kenya experience various challenges associated with skills gap including incapacity to access, sustain and progress in the labour market. This article examines influencers of WYD skills acquisition among learners in the TVET institutions in Kenya. The article uses data from a cross-sectional survey, targeting students aged 15–25 years in both public and private TVET institutions. We analyse data from 3452 students, 347 instructors and 171 heads who participated in the study. A composite score based on four domains measured acquisition of WYD skills: functional numeracy and literacy, soft skills and digital learning. Multi-level regression results on WYD reveal better performance in well-equipped institutions compared to inadequately equipped ones. Similarly, better performance from institutions located in wealthier regions compared to those in marginalised areas. We deduce that the uptake of WYD skills among TVET students heavily relies on supply-side influencers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Genetically modified (GM) crops have the potential to address multiple challenges for African smallholder farmers but are limited by several institutional constraints. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are seen as an organizational fix to one such constraint, bringing privately held intellectual property rights on key crop technologies to African public institutions to develop GM crops for smallholder farmers. Here, a new comprehensive dataset of GM crops in Africa is used to understand the extent and efficacy of PPP‐led GM crop development for smallholder farmers and discuss what might limit their potential in the future. Summary: Genetically modified (GM) crops are promoted as a key tool to address multiple challenges in Africa, including the impacts of climate change and food insecurity. Observers have noted, however, significant institutional challenges to achieving such goals, most notably, intellectual property rights (IPR) to key GM traits being held by private companies who have limited incentives to develop those technologies for smallholder farmers. To bridge the gap between privately held IPR and pro‐poor crop breeding, advocates have called for increased funding for institutional innovations such as public–private partnerships (PPPs) to facilitate the transfer of crop technologies from private companies to public research institutes.For the past two decades, donors and firms have invested considerable resources toward PPPs. However, to date, few research efforts have empirically examined the extent and effectiveness of PPPs at the continental scale.This study draws from a new comprehensive dataset on GM crop research and development in Africa to examine whether the anticipated advantages of PPPs have resulted in an improved ability to deliver GM crops to smallholder farmers.We find that although PPP research has focused on crops and traits more relevant for smallholder farmers, many of these efforts have been suspended, with only one crop thus far reaching the hands of farmers. PPPs can address some issues related to GM crop development but still appear constrained by other institutional challenges, which may limit their development, reach, and the achievement of targeted benefits for smallholder farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relative strength of public policies promoting advanced manufacturing by comparing the government programs and capacities of two world leaders in science and technology: the USA and Germany. Based on insights from 'varieties-of-capitalism' literature and using process tracing methodology, this study identifies significant differences in today's pursuit of advanced manufacturing. The German model of Rhine capitalism has strength due to its long tradition of diversified quality work, built on a long-term commitment to government-industry collaboration, with significant indirect public support provided by vocational training and research institutes. The American model of Manchester capitalism has been challenged by the loss of millions of low-skilled manufacturing jobs due to outsourcing and competition from Asia. The study finds that the "Manufacturing USA" policy initiative of the Obama era, although directly inspired by Germany's Fraunhofer institutes, is hampered by the contextual and institutional circumstances identified. With biobased carbon fibers offering the potential of a novel, low-cost material, pursued with research and development (R&D) efforts in both countries, it provides a measure for evaluating policy outcomes, and the study confirms Germany's technological lead. In addition, the study's process-tracing methodology reveals that significant legacies from German knowledge creation in the past have spilled over to American science and technology, and may continue to do so, lured by government funds. Further studies on advanced manufacturing should test the robustness of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effect of public–private partnerships (PPPs) on income inequality, focusing on economic infrastructures. For that, we use a sample composed of data from 38 low- and middle-income countries over the period 2000–2018. The empirical findings suggest that inequality has not been reduced; by contrast, income inequality has increased in countries that have developed PPP projects to a greater extent. This study offers practical implications about the social cost that the PPP formula has in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a serious mental health illness affecting women post-parturition. Around 1 in 1000 women are affected by postpartum psychosis, and the symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks after birth. Postpartum mental disorders are classified into 3 main categories starting from the least to most severe types, including baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, genetic and epigenetic factors associated with postpartum psychosis are discussed. A PRISMA flow diagram was followed, and the following databases were used as main sources: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Additional information was retrieved from external sources and organizations. The time period for the articles extracted was 5 years. Results: Initially, a total of 2379 articled were found. After the stated criteria were applied, 58 articles were identified along with 20 articles from additional sources, which were then narrowed down to a final total of 29 articles. Conclusions: It can be concluded that there is an association between PPP and genetic and epigenetic risk factors. However, based on the data retrieved and examined, the association was found to be greater for genetic factors. Additionally, the presence of bipolar disorder and disruption of the circadian cycle played a crucial role in the development of PPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a multi‐metric flexible Bayesian framework to support efficient interim decision‐making in multi‐arm multi‐stage phase II clinical trials. Multi‐arm multi‐stage phase II studies increase the efficiency of drug development, but early decisions regarding the futility or desirability of a given arm carry considerable risk since sample sizes are often low and follow‐up periods may be short. Further, since intermediate outcomes based on biomarkers of treatment response are rarely perfect surrogates for the primary outcome and different trial stakeholders may have different levels of risk tolerance, a single hypothesis test is insufficient for comprehensively summarizing the state of the collected evidence. We present a Bayesian framework comprised of multiple metrics based on point estimates, uncertainty, and evidence towards desired thresholds (a Target Product Profile) for (1) ranking of arms and (2) comparison of each arm against an internal control. Using a large public‐private partnership targeting novel TB arms as a motivating example, we find via simulation study that our multi‐metric framework provides sufficient confidence for decision‐making with sample sizes as low as 30 patients per arm, even when intermediate outcomes have only moderate correlation with the primary outcome. Our reframing of trial design and the decision‐making procedure has been well‐received by research partners and is a practical approach to more efficient assessment of novel therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private sector plays an increasingly vital role in nature conservation globally. This study explores the concept of political embeddedness, which suggests that governments and environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) can leverage each other's strengths to achieve both formal and informal goals. Using the case of Laohegou Nature Reserve in China, this study illustrated how the complementary advantages of the government and ENGOs form the foundation of a land trust reserve. Within the case, the study found that power and interest balance between the government and ENGOs during project implementation supported their formal cooperation in nature conservation. This study proposed a political perspective to elaborate power and interest in the formal and informal dimensions of nature conservation public–private partnership (PPP) project. Moreover, it noted that a balance of power between the government and ENGOs is essential in building partnership networks with inclusive interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private–public partnership is a collaboration between two major sectors of a municipalities economy. It is a so called "win-win" partnership, where both parties can benefit in achieving their planned goals while working jointly. In December 2019, in China, the first reported cases of COVID-19 were detected. The virus spread quickly throughout China and reached Latvia in March 2020. In this study we analyse the role of private–public partnerships in organising effective COVID-19 testing of the population in Latvia. By 1 June 2020, Latvia had the 3rd lowest incidence of COVID-19-caused deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This study included a systematic review, data acquisition, analysis of the findings, and conclusions were drawn and discussed. During the 1st wave of the pandemic, the private sector collected and conducted more than 95% of the COVID-19 testing in Latvia. The study showed that there could be many contributing factors to success of Latvia during the 1st wave of the pandemic, one of which was that Latvia seemed to rely more on the private sector to organise the testing, which seemed to pay off at first. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of performance measurement need to be carried out throughout the project life cycle to ensure the successful transfer of public-private partnership (PPP) assets and meet stakeholder needs. More and more water projects are stepping into the transfer phase, but less studies carry out in-depth and systematic discussion on the performance measurement of PPP water projects at the transfer phase. Hence, to fill this gap, this research establishes a new performance measurement system (PMS) for evaluating the performance of the PPP projects stepping into the transfer phase based on the key performance indicators (KPIs). Through case study, expert interview and questionnaire, this paper formulates the logical basis behind PPP water projects at the transfer phase and subsequently constructs the transfer performance measurement system (TPMS) of these projects. Then, it conducts a confirmatory analysis of the impact relationship between the indicators based on structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings of expert interview and questionnaire indicate that there are 7 primary and 26 secondary indicators, and the model has a good fit. The TPMS will provide governments, operators and other stakeholders with a comprehensive and complete understanding as to indicators required of an effective performance measurement of PPP water projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been widely applied in infrastructure development around the world. However, reasonable concessionary items are critical to compromise interest conflicts between government agencies and sponsors to ensure project success. A broad literature review centering on PPP transaction structuring revealed two significant research gaps: (1) a lack of attention to the 'availability payment only' (APO) funding method and (2) negligence of the public side's perspective in determining concessionary items. The research objective was to develop a methodological framework for determining concessionary items in APO PPP projects while considering the interests of the public side. This study proposed a value-for-money (VFM) and social values integrated framework which accommodates discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, bargaining game modeling, and multi-objectives decision-making (MODM). This framework enables a decision-making process based on both an indifferent feasible interval of concessionary items under a discount rate agreed upon by both parties and an optimal set of concessionary items. Additionally, results of a sensitivity analysis indicated that project construction profit can significantly affect feasible and optimal concession items, and the optimal concession period is less sensitive to changes in risk allocation. The application of proposed model indicated that this paper successfully provides a methodology for determining a feasible interval and an optimal concession items group tailored to APO PPP projects. This study paves the way towards a platform for the public and private partners to jointly and quickly come up with sound PPP concessional items in light of the win-win principle, particularly under the APO funding mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public private partnerships (PPPs) have become increasingly common as a result of states' shifting roles in infrastructure services from service providers and operators to policymakers and regulators. PPPs have been established as a prominent technique of public service procurement in both developed and developing countries. PPPs give the parties the opportunity to split the costs and risks of providing a public service or building a public infrastructure. Successful project management is crucial, especially in light of PPP projects' size and complexity. This study investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) of PPP investments in developing countries. In this regard, 23 CSFs were selected based on a thorough literature review, and a questionnaire survey was run to examine the impact of those factors on PPP performance. The information is gathered from 82 different companies in Türkiye that represent both the public and private sectors. The statistical analysis results show that favorable legal framework, detailed and clear project identification, and extensive cost-benefit assessment are the most significant drivers of success. Additionally, factor analysis is used on the data to investigate and identify underlying correlations between the factors, as well as to categorize them into fewer, more focused, and more thorough factors. The results of factor analysis suggest five dimensions; namely project finance, project management, operational factors, procurement, and organizational factors. The study's findings are anticipated to benefit both the public sector in its focus on legal concerns to permit better operation and the contractors in its examination of their capacity to manage big projects more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how responses to a generic skills framework are materialised in Irish schools, and the main aim is to shed light on multiple dimensions of policy enactment. The Key Skills Framework (KSF) was introduced as part of a curricular reform in Irish lower secondary schools – a reform that has met substantial resistance locally and nationally. This study investigated local responses to the KSF specifically by interrogating its particular materialisations in practice through Actor-Network Theory ('spaces of prescription' and 'spaces of negotiation'). The findings indicate that there is an inherent multiplicity to the KSF that nevertheless suggests it has been reduced to represent national traditions of behaviour monitoring and disciplinary routines, rather than intentions of enhancing thinking, learning and living more commonly found in generic skills frameworks. These findings are coupled with discussions of the nature of governing actors in Irish education, including the presence of (new) private vendors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditional cash transfers (CCTs) are a striking case of policy diffusion in Latin America. Almost all countries in the region adopted the model within one decade. While most theories of diffusion focus on the international transference of ideas, this article explains that surge of adoptions by analyzing presidents' expectations. Out of all ideas transmitted into a country, only a few find their way into enactment and implementation, and the executive has a key role in selecting which ones. Policies expected to boost presidents' popularity grab their attention. They rapidly enact and implement these models. A process-tracing analysis comparing CCTs and public-private partnerships (PPPs) shows that presidents fast-tracked CCTs hoping for an increase in popular support. Adoptions of PPPs, however, followed normal procedures and careful deliberations because the policy was not expected to quickly affect popularity—which, in the aggregate, leads to a slower diffusion wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the phenomenon of the urban heat island caused by the rapid development of cities is very serious. To solve the problem of the urban heat island, this study proposed a PPP project consisting of the government (GOVT), photovoltaic investment company (PVIC), and residential customers (RS). Based on an evolutionary game model and combined with current policies and industry regulations in China, the evolution process and stable evolution strategies were studied. The result shows that more government subsidies, higher carbon trading prices, and feed-in tariffs will promote the development of the PPP project. For relatively suitable reference value ranges, the installation tilt angle of the BAPV system is 30°, the photovoltaic grid electricity price is 0.1096∼0.1296 $/kWh, the carbon trading is 8.92∼9.42 $/t. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The open strategy approach advocates the inclusion of external agents, partners, and employees working at different levels in the strategy construction process. This movement toward openness and inclusion has also advanced in the public sector through collaborative governance. This development is due to changes in understanding the state’s role as a promoter of interaction between public and private actors. The central argument of this essay is that there are paradoxes inherent in the use of open strategy in the public sector that need to be managed in order to avoid or minimize damaging tensions between those involved. The essay adopts a reflexive and inductive approach based on the theoretical perspectives of both open strategy and collaborative governance. As a result, it contributes to the field of public management studies and presents theoretical and practical propositions that indicate ways of managing open strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies the current practices and challenges related to the planning, management, and operation of microtransit systems as well as the concerns associated with the (lack of) policies in place. Our work focuses on the U.S. experience and is primarily based on an in-depth analysis of six microtransit systems using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. We investigate and classify the multiple ways public agencies form public-private partnerships to institute microtransit service in their jurisdictions and discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of the different service delivery models. We also thoroughly examine the contracts public agencies formed with private entities to disentangle the various cost elements associated with the launch and operation of a microtransit system. Our policy discussion emphasizes the lack of sustained funding sources for microtransit and the funding formulas that lead to a reduction or loss of public transportation funding when a jurisdiction replaces a fixed route service with microtransit. We also explain the requirements for ADA compliance in microtransit systems and highlight that service equivalency between disabled and non-disabled riders is not guaranteed when only some of the microtransit vehicles and operators are ADA compliant and certified. In terms of operation practices, we describe the safety risks that microtransit users may face on a day-to-day basis due to algorithm-driven virtual pick-up and drop-off locations, and the unwillingness of some service providers to enforce inclusive practices and ensure that individuals without electronic payment options and smartphones can gain access to the service. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges with balancing supply and demand in microtransit systems, and the need for allowing for both on-demand and pre-scheduled trip requests in order to ensure that critical and time-sensitive work, school, and medical trips are accommodated and prioritized. • Quantitative and qualitative data from six microtransit implementations. • Classification of public-private partnerships for microtransit service. • Explanation of technology fees and vehicles and drivers' costs in microtransit contracts. • Lack of sustained funding sources, and ADA compliance not guaranteed. • Challenges related to operation, such as the safety of algorithm-driven virtual stops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many public–private partnership (PPP) projects around the world suffer from poor risk allocation, questionable technical studies, cost underestimation, and inaccurate demand forecasts. To address these issues, some scholars have suggested public authorities adopt more flexible contracts. However, given their limited use to date, questions about the overall efficacy of flexible contracts persist. To test their suitability for PPPs, this article reassessed the least present value of revenue (LPVR) model—a flexible-term contract that dynamically changes based on project revenues. The capacity of the LPVR model to address variations in both demand and project costs was tested under different scenarios by modeling historical financial data from an operating highway PPP in Peru. The results suggest the LPVR model can effectively mitigate demand risk but cannot adequately address unexpected cost variations commonly found in greenfield projects. This means the LPVR model may be better suited for brownfield projects in emerging markets that have consolidated demand and limited construction risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of quasi-tax to strengthen animal health programs in Colombia brought profound changes in the government of the country's livestock sector by moving from a public model to one of public-private cooperation. The research analyzes the governance mechanisms that were established in livestock, poultry, and pig farming, in order to review the incidence of adjustments in the progress of health control. For this purpose, a multiple case study of the livestock promotion funds of the three subsectors was carried out, which showed that quasi-tax and the public-partnership model have allowed formal and practical consolidation for disease control in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to designing detailed subsidy contract terms for public–private partnerships (PPPs), local governments often face the challenge of selecting the basic modes of a subsidy (in this case, passenger demand subsidy or vehicle-kilometer subsidy). However, most studies do not discuss the reasons for choosing a particular mode or its applicability. This paper addresses this gap by constructing Stackelberg game models to analyze the characteristics of two subsidy modes: vehicle-kilometer subsidy and passenger demand subsidy. Four situations derived from these two subsidy modes are then modeled and analyzed, exploring the relationships among parameters and clarifying the strategies of local governments. Additionally, a comparison is made between the two subsidy modes to demonstrate the optimal utilization of subsidies. Based on this analysis, an efficiency-oriented subsidy framework is proposed to overcome the shortcomings of existing subsidies and provide new insights into subsidy design for PPPs. The results indicate that the vehicle-kilometer subsidy loses its incentive or regulatory effects on the private sector when the vehicle-kilometer is predetermined. Furthermore, the subsidy mode, the local government's goals, and financial stress will influence key parameters (price and vehicle-kilometer); further, the preference of both parties for subsidy modes is closely related to price. The proposed efficiency-oriented subsidy framework offers significant advantages in reducing prices, increasing consumer surplus and efficiency, conserving social resources, and strengthening cost control. This paper contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate subsidy modes, exploring the differences between two common modes, and further providing a novel and effective subsidy mode. Further, this paper can also guide mutual parties to optimize their strategies and enhance the overall efficiency and performance in PPP urban rail transit projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a dynamic means for nations to enhance infrastructure development, spur economic growth, foster innovation, engage the private sector and optimise financial resources. These collaborations hold the potential to transform governments' capacity to achieve comprehensive development objectives and attract crucial investments. However, implementing PPPs effectively is a multifaceted endeavour, requiring a thorough examination of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) to ensure enduring benefits. CSFs lie at the heart of successful PPP execution, shaping a culture of excellence within organisations and ensuring success throughout the planning, identification and assessment phases. Kenya stands as a prominent example, having established a transparent legal framework for PPPs within its borders. Kenya's persistent efforts to catalyse private investment in infrastructure development provides a valuable case study. This research primarily employs a doctrinal approach, examining existing legal documents and materials to understand the strengths and challenges of implementing PPPs. The paper's main objective is to critically evaluate the CSFs to ascertain the implementation practicality of PPPs. By closely analysing these legal foundations, the article aims to uncover the intricacies of Kenya's approach to PPPs. Through a thorough assessment of CSFs, this research aims to provide valuable insights to guide policymakers and enhance the effectiveness of PPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a strategic tool for enhancing the economic growth of International Airport infrastructure and service delivery markets in Cyprus. Although different types of PPPs exist worldwide and are likely to influence how road projects are implemented, this has not been fully researched in Cyprus. This study investigates how various aspects of PPPs can influence the implementation of International Airport infrastructure development in the Republic of Cyprus. It combined qualitative and quantitative approaches using a cross-sectional design. Secondary data was complimented with primary data collected from 63 purposively sampled respondents. The study established that PPP international airport projects in Cyprus have particularly utilised the Build, operate, transfer (BOT) model. As the existing publicly owned airports were not considered to be financially viable or sustainable at the beginning of the century, it became evident that these government functions could not be socio-economically or otherwise justified. For this reason, the involvement of the private sector in the operation of publicly owned and administered airports was fully endorsed by both the government and the local society at large. The form of private participation to be selected rightly depended on the risk/decision making power that the government apparatus was prepared to transfer to the private sector and the financial viability of the airport as a sustainable business. To have defensible, sustainable, and resilient Airport BOT Projects in Cyprus, the regulatory model of frameworks should be changed into a community model to develop sustainable projects, as opposed to the market or statist model that favours or prioritise private partners and government interests respectively. Though it may seem difficult to create a line of responsibility, it is possible to set an established way to collaborate and cooperate on particular BOT contract projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, attention to the issue of extending the role of public-private partnership (PPP) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has significantly increased. There are several reasons for this: a serious lag behind the planned indicators for achieving the SDGs, largely due to the unsatisfactory state of life support infrastructure in countries of developing economies; a constantly widening infrastructure gap; and the insufficient use of private businesses to create the infrastructure critical to achieving the SDGs. To ensure the active participation of private businesses in this process, new institutional mechanisms are needed. Some of these mechanisms, providing for the assessment of compliance of projects with the SDGs, have already been created and are actively promoted for the implementation of PPP projects. This article contains an analysis of these mechanisms and recommendations for incorporating new approaches to assessing the sustainability of businesses interested in implementing infrastructure projects of public interest into the PPP process, based on the principles laid down in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and European Sustainability Reporting Standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent European Court of Auditors report on public procurement in the EU Member States highlighted the issue of single bidding as a concern for the competitiveness of the EU Public Procurement Directives. Single tenders are a systemic issue in public procurement markets, leading to perceptions of un-competitiveness and alleged corruption. However, the European Public Procurement Directives do not specify any action to address single bids. The directives consider single tenders legitimate and capable of leading to the award of contracts, as long as the selection and qualification process and award criteria are followed without any breaches. Contracting authorities risk liability if they decide to withdraw invitations to tender and cancel procurement proceedings due to a single bid. The degree of competition in public procurement markets is not affected by single operators, as the directives allow contracts to be awarded to affiliated undertakings, joint ventures, or a single provider through framework agreements or innovation partnerships. The Utilities Directive also recognizes special and exclusive rights granted by competent authorities in certain sectors. [Extracted from the article]

Education governance networks are increasingly common and very diverse. In a strategic case study, we apply a new social network analysis method to evaluate the sustainability of a public-private education governance network. We examine the balance of satisfaction across public and private sectors and the network's fairness in terms of whether actor groups' investments in the network are proportional to their influence. We find that this established, long-term network is not entirely balanced but is fair, and argue that the fairness contributes to its sustainability. This fairness might arise due to the existing intermediaries in the network. Intermediaries play important roles in many networks, operating between other actors to build capacity and facilitate cooperation. We investigate how intermediaries operate, especially in networks that connect the public and private sectors. We find that intermediaries' roles differ according to sector. Public-sector intermediaries perform a direction function, complementing the effort and interconnectedness of individual actors. In contrast, private-sector intermediaries play a representing role, substituting for individual actors' effort and interconnectedness. These different roles of the public- and private-sector intermediaries contribute to the sustainability of the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the privatisation of the public sector has grown rapidly in Sweden in the last decade, private companies have become an imperative part of education. Private companies sell and deliver consultancy, hardware, software, services, etc. to schools and municipalities. This study examines a growing rate of activities from companies and businesses working within public sectors. It also examines consequences of cooperation between private and public actors. Findings show that multiple actors meet in different forms and with different functions, in multiple ways and with diverse agendas. What can be discerned is strong Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), where actors and networks are linked together, directly or indirectly, in fluid and flexible relations and partnerships. Private actors on educational markets not only becomes edupreneurs but policyneurs, a new concept introduced. As private actors engage in the policy making and the public sphere, a complex and disorganised landscape with new formations of strong actors emerge, entailing a number of consequences. One implication is the establishment of lobbyism in the Swedish educational landscape, with potentially negative consequences for democracy. One conclusion is that new formations of power dissolve the roles and functions of private and public actors within education, with implications on decision-making, transparency, and democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of penal policy is "submerged," in the sense that Suzanne Mettler uses the term. There are networks of rules and regulations that link public funds, services, and institutions to various private interests with far reaching consequences. These networks are largely a stealth presence in the lives of citizens and their subterranean status, I argue, warps the wider politics of punishment. Resources are circulated along this network in such a way revenue is generated for some, costs cut for others, all in the shadow of public law. To the extent that this kind of redistribution lacks citizens' consent and approval, it also represents a potentially undemocratic development. Here, I show how the obscured visibility of these public–private connections distorts public attitudes about, and public support for, the US prison state. The final pages draw out the normative implications of that distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The singular focus on procedural justice police reform is dangerous. Procedurally just law enforcement encounters provide an empirically proven subjective sense of fairness and legitimacy, while obscuring substantively unjust outcomes emanating from a fundamentally unjust system. The deceptive simplicity of procedural justice - that a polite cop is a lawful cop - promotes a false consciousness among would-be reformers that progress has been made, evokes a false sense of legitimacy divorced from objective indicia of lawfulness or morality, and claims the mantle of "reform" in the process. It is not just that procedural justice is a suboptimal type of reform; it is the type of reform that actively frustrates other reforms by dressing up policing with the perception of correctness and legitimacy. And yet, procedural justice dominates police reform policy. Virtually all current federally funded police reform proposals support procedural justice trainings to the exclusion of proposals to address police brutality, eliminate discriminatory overpolicing, demilitarize departments, and end qualified immunity. As a result, a growing procedural justice industrial complex has taken shape. This multilayered public-private partnership between government agencies, academic institutions, and for-profit training companies increasingly helps police departments "protect their brand" and "reduce liability" through procedural politeness, while requiring no changes to unlawful, unnecessary, and violent police behavior. This Article provides the first comprehensive account of this growing complex, charting its roots in community policing and evolving into a cottage industry of private, for-profit purveyors offering costly procedural justice trainings to departments flush with federal grant money. This Article also challenges the dominant scholarly narrative supporting these procedural justice policies, interrogating its role in promoting unnecessary ubiquitous police presence and justifying new racially discriminatory practices like "hot spots policing" and "precision policing." In doing so, the Article applies these process-oriented critiques to five substantive police reform proposals, exploring how this singular focus on procedural justice distinctly frustrates more necessary transformative reforms in the areas of discriminatory policing, police brutality, police accountability, legal reform, and police abolition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Self-Absorption Scale (SAS) is one of the few instruments that measure dysfunctional selffocused attention or self-absorption, a transdiagnostic factor of vulnerability to various emotional disorders. The internal structure of the Spanish version of the SAS and its relationship with other variables have not been examined, nor has whether its subscales provide relevant information. These were the two goals of the present study. Method: The factor structure of the SAS, its internal consistency, and its relationship with depression and post-traumatic stress were analyzed in a Spanish community sample of 519 adults. Results: The SAS presented a symmetrical bifactor structure with a general factor of self-absorption that explained most of the variance in the items and two specific factors of private and public self-absorption. The total scale and the two subscales of the SAS exhibited excellent, good or adequate reliability coefficients (alphas/omegas = .70 - .88) and correlated with depression and post-traumatic stress (r = .34 - .46). Conclusions: The SAS provides reliable, valid measures of dysfunctional selffocused attention in Spanish adults, but its Private and Public Self-absorption subscales are not much more useful than the information provided by its total scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]