Beyond the financial logic: Realizing valuable outcomes in public–private partnerships in Flanders and Ontario. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van den Hurk, Martijn; Hueskes, Marlies
• Other Names: Caloffi Annalisa guest-editor.; Pryke Stephen guest-editor.; Sedita Silvia R guest-editor.; Siemiatycki Matti guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Environment and planning. Volume 35:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 784
• Page End: 808
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Belgium -- Canada -- comparison -- public–private partnerships -- value; Political geography -- Periodicals; Geopolitics -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; Territory -- Periodicals; 320.1205
• DOI: 10.1177/0263774X16682237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-6544

Abstract

The value of public–private partnerships has typically been sought in financial and budgetary benefits. In both research and practice, important aspects of nonfinancial value have remained under the radar. This article discusses four "white raven" public–private partnerships that have shown rather atypical results in terms of their physical outcomes—design, contextual fit, and multifunctionality. We argue that despite the increasing role of private sector actors, public sector clients fulfill a key role in delivering value. A strong sense of ambition and vision, in combination with a solid coordination on the part of the client, helps deliver projects that go beyond mere financial perks and deliver true social value. These elements have largely been overlooked in previous research, which has often focused on financial, legal, political, and managerial capacities of government actors.