Transport infrastructure construction in Croatia: an analysis of public–private partnerships

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are used to accelerate infrastructure development in both developed and developing countries. This paper critically elaborates and discusses two operational motorway concessions in Croatia. Multiple case study research results showed that poorly prepared PPP deals may have an adverse effect on subsequent operating performance of concession contracts in terms of achieved value for money and risk-return allocation. Instead of structuring projects as bundled, design–build–finance–maintain–operate contracts, it is more beneficial, from the public point of view, to enter into separate contracts for construction and operation, i.e. asset related service provision.