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Cognitive distance in public procurement and public–private partnerships: An analysis of the construction sector

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  • Annalisa Caloffi
  • Francesca Gambarotto

Abstract

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are understood as collaborative devices that can be used to achieve both efficiency and innovation. For this potential to be realized, however, some significant obstacles to effective collaboration must be overcome, such as the cognitive distance that often separates public and private agents. In order to deepen our understanding of the collaboration problem, this article assesses the size and characteristics of cognitive distance by looking at agents operating in the construction industry in Italy and Slovenia. Our analysis detects the presence of different types of cognitive distance in different socio-economic contexts, suggesting that cognitive distance is not simply the outcome of individual intentionality but also of social context. We argue that there is constructive room for policies supporting the efficiency and diffusion of PPPs that will facilitate the emergence of context-specific intermediaries to smooth the progress of collaborative work.

Suggested Citation

  • Annalisa Caloffi & Francesca Gambarotto, 2017. "Cognitive distance in public procurement and public–private partnerships: An analysis of the construction sector," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 35(5), pages 765-783, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:35:y:2017:i:5:p:765-783
    DOI: 10.1177/0263774X16680108
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    1. Andrea, Bastianin & Chiara F., Del Bo, 2019. "Procurement in Big Science Centres: politics or technology? Evidence from CERN," Working Papers 410, University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Economics, revised 21 May 2019.
    2. Obwegeser, Nikolaus & Müller, Sune Dueholm, 2018. "Innovation and public procurement: Terminology, concepts, and applications," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 74, pages 1-17.
    3. EW Stapper & M Van der Veen & LB Janssen-Jansen, 2020. "Consultants as intermediaries: Their perceptions on citizen involvement in urban development," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 38(1), pages 60-78, February.
    4. Michael Himmel & Matti Siemiatycki, 2017. "Infrastructure public–private partnerships as drivers of innovation? Lessons from Ontario, Canada," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 35(5), pages 746-764, August.

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