Abstract:
The study explored how private firms and their constituents capture value through Public-Private Collaboration (PPC) in South Africa. Partnerships are touted as key enablers of firm innovation and value creation in an increasingly complex global context. Yet, very few studies have provided the evidence base of value creation and capture beyond the ‘feel good’ process considering integrated value for firms. Nor is there clarity on how value can be planned for, operationalised and measured for improved management practice. This study progressed knowledge on practice and evaluation of PPC processes for firms by going beyond traditional linear models that have been found to be deficient in complex contexts.
A qualitative case study was explored in the mining sector to provide richer and deeper insights into PPC processes from a firm perspective in its collaboration with government entities. The study provided the evidence base and indicators of value creation and capture for a private firm through a PPC process, exposed generalised assumptions, disaggregated value dimensions, and foregrounded a foundational multi-dimensional model and partnership value framework.
The study contributed an integrated strategic value lens and the choices made in aggregation and disaggregation of value constructs in diverse contexts. It demonstrated new combinations of constructs whereby PPC processes created sources of competitive, collaborative and societal advantage for firms through mediated pathways. Contextualised concepts and data gathering of use value, exchange value and transformative value offered the evidence called for on value capture through PPC processes. It revealed the need to disaggregate value dimensions such as intellectual, relational and political value from social value. The role of PPC processes in Balancing Accountability between public and private sectors was suggested as a concept in progressing the field of cross-sector governance.
A multi-dimensional model is presented reflecting the iterative and evolving nature of PPC processes and the interaction between value creation and value capture. An extended value indicator framework aims to aid in operationalising the assessment of PPC processes. The study promotes PPC processes as a mechanism to operationalise concepts such as Creating Shared Value (CSV) and respond to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
