Pathways for Public–Private Partnerships to Secure a Social License to Operate: Enhancing Legitimacy and Publicity

Purpose: This study is motivated by widespread resentment toward public–private partnerships (PPPs) in both scholarship and practice, despite the fact that sustainable service delivery depends on citizen consent. This study aimed to examine the application of the social license concept to PPPs and its significance. Methodology: This study is based on a thematic literature review designed to identify and analyze pathways through which PPPs secure a social license to operate. The analysis focuses on studies addressing stakeholder engagement, legitimacy, and public acceptance in PPP contexts, with the aim of synthesizing actionable principles for enhancing public trust and project legitimacy. Main findings: PPPs have been adopted as strategic procurement mechanisms, public‐policy instruments, and project‐delivery models; yet post‐implementation evaluations report mixed performance outcomes. A key reason for this variability is the failure of many PPPs to secure a social license to operate, which has at times provoked public dissent. Therefore, this study investigates how PPPs can obtain and maintain a social license to operate. Applications: Drawing on an extensive literature review, it identifies clear pathways for PPPs to enhance legitimacy, foster community consent, and increase “publicity” – all critical factors for their long‐term success. Novelty/Originality: this study contributes in articulating practical strategies for acquiring social license at a time when PPPs face growing opposition, despite their transformative potential for society. Keywords: Social license, public–private partnerships (PPP), community consent, infrastructure project legitimacy, stakeholder engagement, enhancing publicity, sustainable infrastructure delivery, citizen participation, social acceptance strategies.