Criteria for the management partnership model in Croatian seaports

The aim of this article is to define the relevant criteria for the evaluation of public–private partnerships (PPP) for the implementation of the management partnership model in Croatian seaports. Previous studies have indicated a number of effects that PPPs need to achieve in order to ensure sustainable development. However, partnership in seaports in the Republic of Croatia is a poorly researched issue and the relevant criteria required for positive effects have not yet been defined. We have defined five groups of criteria: economic-financial, organisational, technical-technological, social criteria and criteria aimed at harmonisation with European Union policies (currently characteristic for Croatia). To determine the relevance and importance of these criteria, it was necessary to collect data by using the method of interviewing experts from different scientific areas and of diverse professional competences. Regarding the relevant stakeholders (public interest, private interest and the interest of the broader community), research analysis has provided multiple research results which have pointed out that technical-technological and organisational development are the key criteria for a successful partnership model. The results obtained in the research can be applied to future management models in Croatian seaports that will be based on PPPs.