Benchmarking multi-criteria evaluation: A proposed method for the definition of benchmarks in negotiation public-private partnerships

In Italy, new processes of settlement transformation based on negotiation-type public-private partnerships (PPPN) have been standardised to cope with the degradation of many urban areas. However, these standards have not provided for benchmarks referring to the contents of partnerships or assessment procedures aimed at assessing the initiatives undertaken with respect to public utility objectives. This has often led to redevelopment initiatives geared more towards the satisfaction of private rather than public interests. The proposed methodology, structured on the integration of a Benchmarking process with multi-criteria evaluation techniques known as Benchmarking Multi-criteria Evaluation (BME) enables the definition of benchmarks through a participatory process of the different Stakeholders involved in a PPPN to which the BME is applied. The benchmarks can be used both for renewing the planning of the PPPN concerned and for verifying the quality of the initiatives within the same PPPN process. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.