Problem Analysis on Public-Private Partnership for Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case Study in Cambodia

Abstract

One potential enabling factor in emerging economies toward their transition to the circular economy is promoting public-private partnership (3Ps). Such collaboration will bring about such a systemic transition wherein not only large business entities, but also small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could develop innovative business models following the circular economy principles. However, policymakers need to understand the complex challenges faced by SMEs to create an appropriate supportive policy framework. Interrelationships among barriers in promoting SMEs must be elucidated. This work thus presents the spherical fuzzy extension of the analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) integrated with the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) as a tool for problem analysis to analyze these barriers systematically. A case study in Cambodia to identify the barriers to promoting SMEs through 3Ps is presented. Implications from this study could provide prioritization of the interventions to address these barriers. Thus, such analysis can be used for the development of policy recommendations to promote not only SMEs but also in implementing circular economy through a 3Ps scheme.