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Politics, risk, and white elephants in infrastructure PPPs

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  • Daniel, Albalate
  • Germà, Bel
  • Albert, Gragera

Abstract

Theoretical research on cooperation between public and private partners in infrastructure projects suggests that they can be a tool for preventing white elephants. However, various case studies suggest that actual outcomes are largely dependent on the effective transfer of operational risk to the private partner. This paper explores policy and planning dysfunction, and the idea that private entities that participate in public-private partnerships (PPPs) with no substantial risk transfer, and under heavily subsidized schemes, may engage in lobbying and exert pressure to develop white elephant projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel, Albalate & Germà, Bel & Albert, Gragera, 2019. "Politics, risk, and white elephants in infrastructure PPPs," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 158-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:58:y:2019:i:c:p:158-165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2019.05.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Välilä, Timo, 2020. "An overview of economic theory and evidence of public-private partnerships in the procurement of (transport) infrastructure," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    5. Spohr, Jonas & Wikström, Kim & Ronikonmäki, Niko-Matti & Lepech, Michael & In, Soh Young, 2024. "Are private investors overcompensated in infrastructure projects?," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 1-8.

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