Research on the Collaborative Mechanism of Value Creation in Public–Private Partnership Projects Under Dynamic Trust

ABSTRACT Public–private partnership (PPP) is now focused on project value creation, with trust playing a crucial role. This study models trust evolution among stakeholders using evolutionary game theory and simulations, revealing that higher initial and sustained trust boosts project value. However, overreliance on trust can lead to deregulation and neglect of contracts, harming outcomes. Spillover effects and speculative behavior also threaten value creation. The study identifies an optimal incentive range for reputation gains, highlighting the need for balanced trust mechanisms, effective incentives, and penalties to ensure collaboration and project success.