Abstract:
It is widely recognised that the development of SMEs results in multiple positive
outcomes, including job creation and economic growth. These outcomes benefit both the
public sector and private sector. Considering these benefits to the public sector and
private sector, this study aimed to determine whether the collaboration of the two sectors
through PPCs could enhance the development of SMEs.
A qualitative exploratory research method founded on an inductive reasoning approach
was used. 12 semi-structured interviews were held with senior experts in the fields of
PPCs and SME development. These experts were members of the C-suite, executive
director team and senior management in their respective organisations. Thematic
analysis was used to analyse the data.
The key findings confirmed that PPCs had both the incentive and characteristics
necessary to develop SMEs. They further suggested that PPCs would enhance the
development of SMEs through greater interaction with other SME development
programs and with the assistance of certain elements present within the macro
environment. Further research to determine the effectiveness of PPCs in developing
SMEs is needed.
This study enhances how the public sector, the private sector and SMEs view the
concept of collaborating with one another to enhance the development of SMEs to the
benefit of all parties. Given how complex such an undertaking can be, the PPS model
was presented as an illustration of how this collaborative advantaged could be attained.
