Engaging stakeholders in the process of developing a PPP is a complex, multifaceted process. Of course, it will follow directly from your process of preparation-considering the relative Value Alignment of your stakeholders, determining to what degree your project is an economic or a social PPP, and settling on a preliminary vision for the project's scope and impact. But engagement can also come with surprises-the need for an expanding scope, unforeseen points of conflict, and previously unidentified assets and liabilities.
Engagement will take place across a number of stakeholders, from private sector partners to the general public. It is important to remember that while all partners in a PPP are stakeholders, not all stakeholders are partners. It may also be the case that some stakeholders appear to be potential partners at first, but may eventually be unable to rise to the challenges of partnership. Through convenings, negotiation, and effective political management, governments can make determinations about which stakeholders can become effective partners, and engage different kinds of stakeholders effectively.