Collaborative governance in Greek infrastructure projects

Abstract

This study examines the key elements that underlie collaborative forms of governance in infrastructure project delivery. Data are obtained from interviews conducted with senior managers involved in the delivery of collaborative projects in Greece. The findings suggest that issues concerning inequality between partners, ownership of the delivery through collaborative governance and the time needed to take decisions and solve problems may hinder collaboration. The findings contribute to extant literature by showing that the challenges of adopting collaborative governance practices in Greece’s transitional economy may be related to under-developed systems that are not only unable to support the full exploitation of the practice, but also fail adequately to leverage emerging innovation. In terms of practical implications, the study contributes to an understanding of how stakeholders involved in public–private partnership projects view collaborative governance in project delivery, along with the conditions and difficulties that are present, and potential outcomes governance.