Contextual Factors to Consider Before Choosing Public-Private Partnerships

Public private partnerships (PPPs) in basic education take many forms including philanthropic co-financing, vouchers, school-based management, school subsidies, capacity strengthening, and infrastructure. They are used by governments and educational institutions for expanding education delivery, improving operational efficiency, increasing accountability, and addressing issues of quality and learning equity at all levels of education. PPPs hold great promise for education, but there is still much to learn about making the best use of this emerging practice. This brief provides insight on important contextual considerations for realizing the benefits of PPPs. For additional background on the different forms of PPPs and what we are learning from the evidence see the Guide to Public-Private Partnerships in Basic Education.