Public-private partnerships as catalysts for digital transformation and circular economy: Insights from developing countries

Umair Tanveer, Thinh Gia Hoang, Shamaila Ishaq and Raja Usman Khalid

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2025, vol. 219, issue C

Abstract: This study investigates the dynamics of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in promoting digital transformation and circular economy initiatives in the public sector of developing countries. Using Collaborative Advantage Theory (CAT) and a multiple-case study design, involving 10 public and 12 private organizations across five cases, the research explores how complementary resources, collaborative processes, trust and governance, and mutual benefits and value creation shape the success of these partnerships. Data were collected through 50 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and archival analysis of partnership agreements, project reports, and policy documents. The findings reveal that strategic alignment and collaborative leadership are key triggers for synergy creation and co-creation of value. Additionally, participatory governance models and transparent performance metrics enhance trust and sustainability within PPPs. These results offer important theoretical contributions by expanding Collaborative Advantage Theory in the context of PPPs, emphasizing how collaboration and resource integration lead to sustainable outcomes. Practically, the study provides recommendations for policymakers and private sector leaders to improve the governance, resilience, and scalability of PPPs, promoting long-term public service innovation and sustainability.

Keywords: Public-private partnerships (PPPs); Digital transformation; Circular economy; Collaborative advantage theory (CAT); Interoperability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162525003014
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:219:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525003014

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124270

Access Statistics for this article

Technological Forecasting and Social Change is currently edited by Fred Phillips

More articles in Technological Forecasting and Social Change from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().