How Public-Private Partnerships in Education Can Enhance International Business Competitiveness

The argument that businesses should support education internationally is moving from purely philanthropic to strategic. Companies who support education in the countries where they do business gain the best-prepared workforce possible and encourage growth in potential markets by helping to raise living standards. Educational partnerships with business, government, and nongovernmental organizations can be effective if the parties overcome the hurdle of mutual distrust. A cross-sector partnership will be more successful if roles and expectations are clearly defined for both partners, agreements are in writing and updated when needed, and communication is frequent and open.