New public-private partnership based on the interactive collaboration in the space sector

This paper presents a new open innovation type of public-private partnership (PPP) to create a space industry, in which innovative technology development by the public R&D sector and space business creation by the private sector are simultaneously realized through bi-directional collaboration between the public and private sectors. This PPP type is a solution to the issues pointed out in previous studies, namely, the relative reduction of R&D opportunities for the public sector due to technological assistance to the private sector, and the decline in technological performance due to risk aversion in the private sector. Next, we present an evaluation method for this collaborative partnership based on the evaluation indicators for value co-creation research. Finally, to identify the process factors driving the projects in this PPP type, we surveyed about 30 space PPP projects in the Japanese space sector implemented since 2018. Then, the results of the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) revealed that the factors are the estimation of mutual capabilities and benefits, the establishment of collaboration goals, and the commitment to mutual activities. The findings suggest that it is possible to define a new space PPP type that complements the space PPP typology of previous studies, and that it is possible to promote this space PPP project through appropriate management of two-way collaboration. • New public-private partnerships realize R&D and space business simultaneously. • An evaluation methodology for this collaborative partnership is also presented. • Analyzes 30 projects in Japan and identifies factors that promote collaboration. • Awareness of how to use public R&D for private leads to new R&D opportunities. • Autonomy of public R&D and creativity of private regarding Value in Use are key.