The first step in establishing a PPP framework is often for the government to articulate its PPP policy. 'PPP policy' is difficult to define, and is used in different ways in different countries. Based on the Oxford English Dictionary definition of policy as a 'course or principles of action … one formally advocated by a government', this Reference Guide uses PPP Policy to mean the government's statement of intent to use PPPs as a course of action to deliver public services, and the guiding principles for that course of action. A PPP policy would typically include:
• PPP program objectives-why the government is pursuing a PPP program
• PPP program scope-what types of projects will be pursued under the PPP policy
• Implementing principles-how PPP projects will be implemented, to ensure the PPP program meets its objectives.
The following sections provide examples of how different countries define their PPP program objectives, scope, and implementing principles.
Many governments issue a PPP policy statement or document, to communicate to the public and to potential investors the government's intention to use PPP, and how PPPs will be implemented. The sections below, and the 'key references' at the end of this section, reference some example PPP policy documents. Other countries incorporate these elements of PPP policy within PPP laws and regulations, or guidance material. PPP policies benefit from being nested in a more comprehensive public investment or infrastructure policy framework, as described further below under Section 2.3: PPP Processes and Institutional Responsibilities.