PPP

The article provides a critical assessment of methodological approaches to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that researchers and practitioners in Russia employ. The study explains the reasons behind a broad interpretation of the term ‘a partnership’ in the literature and by policy makers, as well as the consequences that disregard the principal defining characteristics of a PPP. The article shows that a distorted understanding of the partnership meaning has led to inflated numbers of PPPs at the municipal level.

The article discusses factors that drive development of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Russia. These factors have been categorized in two groups: internal and external. The author draws a conclusion that a more balanced approach to PPP benefits and potential drawbacks should be employed as partnership innovation is in no way guaranteed, and a PPP project may become more costly compared to traditional service delivery by government.