Rather than organizing theory-based lectures, the focus of the UNECE International PPP Centre of Excellence capacity-building programme is on the delivery of actual projects: what we have termed a “learning by doing" approach. By working with government officials who are directly involved in the project, trainers take the officials through the various stages of the project so that they can acquire a practical understanding of such things as preparing a business plan, identification and allocation of risks in the project, and some of the essential practices related to financing and bankability.
This “learning by doing” approach needs, however, a framework in order to be really effective. For example, projects to get off the ground require a conducive enabling environment, where essential barriers are removed. Thus, the chosen framework is one whereby the government commits to allow itself to have its enabling environment fully evaluated by PPP experts by undertaking a PPP readiness assessment.