Refers to any partnership between private-sector and public-sector entities, in which the partners invest different resources and cooperate for achieving a common goal. In the European Member States, PPPs are encouraged as a means to offer improved public services, a way to generate capital in times of economic restriction, and in general for capitalising upon the resources and capabilities of the private sector for contributing to overall socio-economic development.
Sources:
European Commission (2003) Guidelines for successful Public-Private-Partnerships. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/guides/ppp_en.pdf