Public–private partnerships for infrastructure delivery

Abstract

Given the current state of infrastructure needs in both developed and developing economies worldwide, does it not make sense for the public sector to draw on all potential project delivery systems, including public– private partnerships? Together, the public and private sectors can provide the best services to meet the growing needs of United States (US) infrastructure, with the private sector often tapped for its potential to deliver value and innovation. This does not suggest that alternative delivery systems or public–private partnerships are the sole solution for resolving the challenges involved. The art for policy-makers is to determine when and where public–private partnerships make sense, to develop procurement and other systems that balance the transfer of risk and reward to the private sector and, most importantly, to deliver maximum value for the public’s money (paid as taxes and/or user fees) in the form of enhanced infrastructure services.