The use of research methods in public-private partnership research

Research in public-private partnerships (PPPs) is diverse. It addresses a variety of topics, studies the phenomenon in various countries, and from different disciplines. However, with regard to the use of research methods, diversity in PPP research in lagging behind. This chapter provides an overview of existing and possible future methods in PPP research, and makes a plea for a more diverse use of methods in PPP research. It addresses the advantages and drawbacks of dominant methods in PPP research, such as case study and survey research. Furthermore, this chapter discusses the potential of other methods and its usefulness for PPP research. These methods include Qualitative Comparative Analysis, Q-methodology, and the use of experiments. Using these methods expands our toolbox to study PPPs. More diversity in research methods may enrich our knowledge on PPPs, help to address new research questions, and provide a new perspective to existing topics within PPP research.