Toward Coherence: A Space Sector Public-Private Partnership Typology

Abstract

Since the rise of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the late 20th century, academia has engaged in critical discussions around the phenomenon and industrial organizations have developed numerous guidelines and best practices. An analytical tool that has enriched the depth of the discussions is typology. Typologies help to deconstruct complex phenomena, develop analytical frameworks, and conduct empirical investigations. With the New Space evolution and the success of National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, PPPs have become a frequent procurement arrangement in the space sector. Because of their theoretical benefits, PPPs are politically popular and are supported by major government space policies. However, the space policy literature uncritically praises and promotes such procurement arrangements without examining their merits. As the sector begins employing more PPPs, it is necessary to engage in critical discussions built on empirical evidence. This study presents a typology specific for space PPPs to provide a standardized language for investigations and bring coherence to the term “PPP” in the sector. The typology development involved mini-case studies of 20 space programs, and the framework embodies a well-established typology approach.