Enhancing Organisational Performance Through Public-Private Partnerships: The Case of the National System of Innovation in South Africa

Abstract

Prior work: Although businesses worldwide are underpinned by networking and fostering strategic partnerships, South African organisations such as the NSI have not fully exploited public-private partnerships (PPPs) to improve their performance, maximise impact and customer value. Objectives: This study will address this ‘knowledge gap’ by providing an in-depth understanding of issues and challenges experienced by organisations in the NSI when fostering PPPs and recommending strategies for improved performance and cohesion in the NSI. Approach: This qualitative study critically examined the role of PPPs in improving organisational performance. Purposive non-probability sampling was used to select and interview 30 participants in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A thematic analysis software called Delve was used to organise the qualitative data and generate codes and themes, and a thematic map was used to depict patterns and relationships graphically. Results: Limited funding, policy restrictions, systematic fragmentation, internal incompetence, and organisational competence emerged as factors hindering the formation of partnerships. PPPs are likely to be successful if they are formed between organisations that have complementary visions and values. The study’s findings also demonstrate that internal competence is critical to the success of PPPs. Implications: The proposed framework could improve the NSI’s performance in achieving national goals such as economic growth, job creation, and the attraction of investment. Value: A PPP framework was developed to assist National System of Innovation (NSI) organisations in enhancing performance.