Development of urban wastewater treatment: success factors and benefits of public–private partnership (PPP) plants in major cities of Vietnam

Purpose This study aims to identify and analyze the critical success factors and benefits of developing urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) under public-private partnership (PPP) models in major Vietnamese cities. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a mixed-methods approach combining both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Initially, an extensive literature review was conducted to gather existing knowledge on wastewater treatment plants developed under public-private partnership models (PPP-based WWTPs), complemented by consultations with industry experts. A survey was then designed and distributed to suitable participants, assessing their perceptions of success factors and benefits. The collected data underwent statistical analysis, including mean testing and principal component analysis (PCA), to validate and rank the identified factors and explore their interrelationships. Findings The research identified 32 critical success factors and 15 key benefits of implementing PPP models for WWTPs. The most crucial success factors included robust financial and regulatory support, effective preliminary studies, and strategic project planning. The benefits highlighted by the study encompassed ability to address flooding and high tides in urban areas, enhanced urban water quality, improved public health, job creation, and operational cost savings. The PCA categorized these factors and benefits into 9 groups of success factors and 3 groups of benefits. Originality/value This study contributed original insights into the PPP implementation framework for urban wastewater management in Vietnam. This supports policymakers and practitioners in understanding the origin and relationships between these factors and benefits, thus achieving more effective design and implementation of PPP WWTP projects.