Symmetry is our lens for peering the physical world. It illuminates the laws of nature. So, how do we look at the social processes of nature? In this case, how do we look at this policy jolt called public-private partnerships (PPP)? It seems logical to draw in symmetry. When we do so, the word fairness comes up. It is a capture of invariance of humanity. Might we expect fairness to direct us to state equity (the state and private sector working in tandem as equity holders)?
In developed states with strong private sector involvement in the political economy, fairness in PPP will be obtainable but in undeveloped or developing states especially were the public sector is dominant, fairness may not be an option.
I think fairness may not be the relevant measure, but joint interest - even if the partners have a different interest (profit vs. social welfare), there is an overlap that may be big enough to justify these arrangements... The secret behind sucessful cooperations may be carving out the overlap in advance, so that it can be secured in the contract, and the project governance
Fairness is a difficult word. Joint interest does not mean equal equity. So, the vectors of reward will be different. However, in the difference, we find rationale. Let us label that situation fairness. Now, if that picture is appealing, does it take us to some fundamental law of humanity reflected in the symmetry of the physical world?