Restoring public trust in PPP projects

Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work on one of Saudi Arabia’s major public-private partnerships (PPP), from both sides of the table and across different roles and time zones. This experience has given me a deep understanding of PPPs as drivers for increasing private sector participation and fostering economic growth. Having worked in both the private sector and with a regulatory authority, I’ve gained valuable insights into the motives, challenges, and objectives of each party. Also, I’ve seen how mismanaging relationships can erode trust and harm partnership success. With PPPs playing a key role in Vision 2030, here are key fundamentals for success based on my experience: 1. **Mutual Understanding and Respect for Roles** The Regulator provides legislation, oversight, and protects public interest, while the Investor focuses on creating value and profits. Respecting these roles by both parties is key to trust. 2. **Commercial Viability is Crucial** A PPP must have a sustainable business case for investors. The Regulator can help by creating favorable conditions and removing barriers. 3. **Balancing Commercial and Socioeconomic Returns** Financial returns for the Investor must align with public benefits like job creation, improved services, and economic development. 4. **Clear Contracts** Well-defined agreements clarify roles, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. 5. **Complementary, Not Competitive, Roles** The Regulator ensures enablement and oversight, while the Investor builds, operates, and brings innovation. Together, they focus on the end user to meet societal needs and leverage their strengths for better outcomes. 6. **Clear Government Backing** Government support is vital. Beyond legislation, direct investment or financial incentives may be needed to make projects viable, ensuring long-term stability and confidence. By focusing on these fundamentals, PPPs have a greater chance of driving success and creating lasting value, ultimately contributing to the achievement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. #Vision2030 #PPP #PublicPrivatePartnetship #leadership #strategy #transformation

People remember when they weren’t included in things that should have involved them. And it's hard to win them back when you need them in the future. I can speak to this because I stay happily busy working the community relations and PR side of public-private partnerships (PPP). I like it when different groups collaborate to deliver public service or community-needed and supported projects. 💕 So, my biggest red flag warning for leaders starting one of these projects is: 1. INCLUDE 2. INFORM 3. LISTEN … and show the rationale behind who the project leadership is, how planning will be executed, and why decisions are being made. Because you really do need to earn public consent with PPP initiatives. This is not just for the short-term building block phase but also for the longer-term success of the project. If you ignore communicating with the right people, that poor decision can, and likely will, delay or even derail a project. Worse, project stakeholders, funders, voters, and user groups will remember how they felt when you disregarded their input or involvement. So, as you start up, don’t forget to include and listen to the people the project will serve and depend on for its short and long-term success. So, do you have communications, specifically community relations, as part of your PPP strategy plan? If you don't, why not? 📷 : Some of my favorite PPP partners with Friends of the Woodman's Center.