What does it take to unlock a Public-Private Partnership for Good? Case study on the deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage in Norway

Abstract

In light of the world's social and environmental turmoils, cross-sectoral collaboration is often thought of as a potential solution to address sustainability challenges. We contribute to the nascent thread of research that delves into those public-private partnerships (PPPs) which focus on sustainability objectives. We do so by better understanding what are the mechanisms required to unlock a public-private partnership for good and how to best manage such a public-private partnership for good. This thesis is based on the exploratory case study of Norway's Longship project, the world's first-ever full-blown value chain of carbon capture and storage (CCS). Primary and secondary data were gathered through seven semi-structured interviews, on-site observations, and an in-depth study of public publications and party agreements. In order to unlock the public-private partnership for good, our findings disclose the need for the government to adjust regulatory frameworks, give substantial financial support, bear significant risks, and supervise the project. Furthermore, we highlight successful management factors that govern PPPs for good. Such management concerns include the need to embed industry incentives notably through the agreement, the necessity of goal alignment, willingness to collaborate, project management mechanisms, trust and respect, human resources management, and stakeholder involvement.