USPAJ

United States Public Administration Journal

Abstract

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have become an increasingly common governance mechanism used by governments to deliver large-scale infrastructure, technology, and public service projects. By leveraging private-sector capital, expertise, and innovation, PPPs are intended to improve efficiency, reduce fiscal burdens on government agencies, and accelerate project implementation. Despite their widespread adoption, questions remain regarding whether PPP arrangements consistently produce better outcomes than traditional public-sector project delivery models. This study examines the effectiveness of public–private partnerships in government projects by evaluating key performance outcomes such as cost efficiency, project completion timelines, service quality, and long-term public value. Using publicly available datasets from federal and state infrastructure initiatives, as well as government project performance reports, the study applies quantitative analysis to assess whether PPP governance structures are associated with improved project outcomes. The analysis is guided by performance-oriented public administration principles that emphasize accountability, measurable results, and efficient resource utilization. Findings from this research aim to contribute to the public administration and public policy literature by providing empirical evidence on the conditions under which PPPs succeed or underperform in government contexts. The study also offers practical insights for policymakers, administrators, and project managers seeking to design partnership arrangements that balance private-sector efficiency with public accountability and long-term societal benefit.

Data availability statement

The data used in the final models is available through the Harvard Dataverse.
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United States Public Administration Journal

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Article first published online: March 3, 2026

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United States Public Administration Journal

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