The PPPLab Food & Water is a four-year action research and joint learning initiative (2014-2018) that looks at the relevance, effectiveness and quality of Dutch-supported public-private partnerships (PPPs). Its mission is to extract and co-create knowledge and methodological lessons from and on PPPs that can be used to improve both implementation and policy.

The PPPLab Food & Water performs four knowledge roles:

1. Sense-making

2. Moderation of exchange and learning

3. Focused study and action research trajectories

4. Policy and strategy analysis

In 2015 PPPLab produced amongst others: a portfolio scan of the Sustainable water Fund (FDW), a portfolio scan of the Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Food Security Fund (FDOV), a PPP Canvas tool for sharpening PPP business models and several contributions to the Mid-Term Reviews of the FDW and FDOV. In addition, it produced three Sense-Making Booklets (a Brief Introduction on PPPs; Building Partnerships; Partnerships for Inclusive Business Development) and a resource corner was launched. PPPLab also hosted and contributed to several seminars and events.

In response to issues coming up from the portfolio scans and various other activities, the knowledge activities of 2016 are focused on the following topics:

• Deepening the work on business models and financing strategies for PPPs (PPP Canvas)

• ‘Scaling & system change’ as key elements to PPP impact and sustainability

• The role and engagement of (local) public actors in PPPs

• A Partnership Process Tool to enhance and build strong partnership

Also in 2016 the interactive dynamics of PPPLab will be growing, including regional workshops in Africa and Asia, PPPcafé sessions in the Netherlands and joint work with other knowledge initiatives.

PPPLab is commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is driven and implemented by a consortium of: SNV, The Partnerships Resource Centre, Aqua for All, and Centre for Development Innovation of Wageningen UR.

For further information see www.ppplab.org or contact Jan Ubels (Senior Strategist and PPPLab MT member) or Floortje Jacobs (Advisor PPPs). You can also follow the initiative on Twitter via @PPP_Lab.