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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.
Keywords: public-private partnership (PPP); management model; seaports; criteria
JEL classifications: L22, L33, M10, M13
1. Introduction
The strong effects of the globalisation and liberalisation process on the performance of maritime transport, which has acquired a monopoly position in global foreign trade when it comes to mass transit cargo, have brought about radical changes in ports, especially from technical, technological, legal and economic aspects. Today, nearly 70% of the container terminals in the world are operable through public-private partnership (PPP) models. Practices in the implementation of the PPP model in seaports differ widely around the world, depending on the traditional model of port structures, as well as on cultural and historical heritage.
Private-sector capital investments in the port system are clear indicators of interest for PPP models in seaports and their implementation. In the last 20 years, in almost 60 developing countries, over 350 projects with private sector participation have been implemented in world-famous ports. The largest numbers of PPP projects have been implemented through the model of concession agreements (48%) and greenfield investments (40%). Less popular models are management and...