Knowledge Transfer through Public-Private Development Partnerships

Abstract

This article aims to add to the body of literature on knowledge transfer in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) focusing on the core stakeholders’ experiences in Public-Private Development Partnership (PPDP) in Ethiopia and Zambia. The qualitative case study comparatively examines practices and barriers to promoting knowledge transfer in two TVET programmes in Ethiopia and Zambia— both applied a similar PPDP model. The study draws on data generated through semi-structured interviews based on narratives perspective. Key informants were purposively selected from among stakeholders who were directly involved in the two initiatives. The data analysis process follows thematic analysis. The results show that anchoring the PPDP initiatives with the nationally mandated Ministry and broadening coalition with the private sector are critical in transferring knowledge into the national TVET systems.  Knowledge transfer through PPDPs is challenged by difficulties of retaining staff the initiatives have invested and partnering with a model school isolated from a TVET system that the PPDP intends to influence.  This article points to consideration of local schools’ prior experience of delivering similar programmes in order to insert new programmes into TVET systems. In Ethiopia, new TVET interventions are installed in a country and school not familiar with the knowledge field contrary to the programme in Zambia which was built on the existing programme. The successful transfer of PPDP interventions and their sustainability, it is argued, requires implementation of the initiatives with sound knowledge of the local context, and application of adaptive practices that encourage collaboration with diversified and committed local stakeholders.