Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are agreements between public and private sectors to provide public services and infrastructure. These partnerships have become popular because they are more efficient than traditional public works models. A study by the University of Granada, Spain analyzed 734 articles on PPPs in road infrastructure projects published between 1993 and 2022. The aim was to understand the characteristics of the research, identify influential publications, and highlight productive authors, institutions, and countries, as well as international cooperation networks. The study also focused on the main research topics, which include financial management, costs and pricing systems, privatization of transport infrastructure services, and sustainability.
Key Insights from Three Decades of Research
PPPs are significant for economic development and societal connectivity as they enable governments to procure infrastructure without raising taxes or immediate debt. The study provides a comprehensive review of PPPs in road infrastructure projects over the last 30 years. It addresses key research questions about the characteristics of the research line, influential publications, prolific contributors, trends in cooperation, and main research topics and trends.
The methodology used in this study involves bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution of PPP research. Data was sourced from Scopus, chosen for its extensive coverage and quality. The study analyzed 734 research articles published between 1993 and 2022, excluding those published outside this period. Network maps created using VOSviewer software helped visualize relationships and trends within the research area.
The results show an exponential growth in publications on PPPs in road infrastructure projects, especially from 2008 to 2022. Scientific production in this field has seen an increase in articles, authors, institutions, countries, and citations. The primary areas of research are Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, Management, and Accounting. Over time, the focus has shifted from Engineering to a broader inclusion of Social Sciences and Business.
Influential Publications and Leading Contributors
Several key influential publications have been identified. These include studies on risk assessment models, appropriate risk allocation, success factors for PPP implementation, and financial risk analysis. These studies contribute to understanding the critical elements for successful PPP projects, such as sustainable demand, alignment with government objectives, and robust private consortiums.
The study also identifies the most productive authors, institutions, and countries in PPP research. Asian authors and institutions are particularly prominent, with significant contributions also coming from the USA and Europe. However, international cooperation networks are limited, with most co-authorships occurring within the same country. The analysis highlights that a few productive journals dominate the dissemination of PPP research.
Emerging Trends and Future Directions
The research topics and trends are categorized into four main clusters: financial management, costs and pricing systems, privatization of transport infrastructure services, and sustainability. Each cluster addresses different aspects of PPPs in road infrastructure projects. Financial management focuses on investment risk and strategic risk mitigation. Costs and pricing systems emphasize the importance of concession periods, toll collection, and capacity in build–operate–transfer (BOT) projects. Privatization of transport infrastructure services examines the life cycle, maintenance, and project management aspects. Sustainability highlights the growing importance of ethical, environmental, and economic considerations in infrastructure projects.
Future research directions are suggested, emphasizing the need for more detailed analyses of financial risks, risk allocation strategies in developing countries, and sustainability considerations. The study underscores the importance of addressing local specificities in risk management and exploring new methodologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of PPPs in road infrastructure projects.
This review of PPPs in road infrastructure projects offers valuable insights into the evolution, current trends, and future prospects of this procurement model. PPPs are crucial in addressing infrastructure deficits and contributing to economic development and societal connectivity. The study’s comprehensive analysis helps reinforce and complement previous bibliometric studies on PPPs in road infrastructure projects. By identifying key research trends and gaps, provides a foundation for future research aimed at improving the implementation and management of PPPs in this vital sector.
FIRST PUBLISHED ON: Devdiscourse
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
