#CiscoChat Recap: Developing Public-Private Partnerships to Achieve Large-Scale Impact

Social, environmental, and economic barriers are interconnected, and governments, companies, and nonprofits must work together to address global issues. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can deliver meaningful and sustained outcomes to communities across the globe while accounting for differences in culture, society, and governing models.

Laura Quintana, VP of Corporate Affairs, helps shape and drive public-private partnerships (PPPs) at Cisco, including our longest-running PPP, Cisco Networking Academy. Laura recently led a #CiscoChat, “Developing Public-Private Partnerships to Achieve Large-Scale Impact,” during which she provided insight into her experience implementing successful PPPs across the globe.

She was joined by featured guests Sasha Kapadia, Director, International Development at Mastercard; Jane Jamieson, Senior Infrastructure Specialist at the World Bank; and Keith Davis, Executive Board Member of the Camden Dream Center; along with dozens of other organizations and individuals that shared their perspectives.

If you missed the conversation, take a look at the highlights and share your thoughts below.

What role do public-private partnerships play in addressing global challenges?

#CiscoChat participants and the World Food Program USA, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger, discussed the knowledge, expertise, and resources PPPs can provide to make progress on global societal issues such as economic development and education.

A1: The private sector can use its skills, support & innovation for job creation, technical expertise & donations. #CiscoChat (2/2) https://t.co/rev2p22xYv

— World Food Program USA (@WFPUSA) September 21, 2017

A1.1: No one can solve global problems alone. We need diverse POVs, knowledge, skills, & expertise to make an impact. -LQ #CiscoChat

— Networking Academy (@CiscoNetAcad) September 21, 2017

A1. Infrastructure is critical for meeting the rising aspirations of billions of people around the world and PPPs can paly a critical role

— Jane Jamieson (@janejamieson05) September 21, 2017

What are the most important pieces to determine before executing a PPP and why?

Participants agreed that executing a successful public-private partnership can be difficult. Sasha, Laura, and guest Colleen Wong offered ideas on how to ensure a PPP is effective, including the importance of being flexible and learning along the way.

A3.4: When it comes to time to implement, keep calm and be flexible – not everything will go right – and learning is key #CiscoChat

— Sasha Kapadia (@SashaKapadia) September 21, 2017

A3.1: Be clear about the problem you are trying to solve. Do the research & analysis to make sure a PPP can be effective. -LQ #CiscoChat

— Networking Academy (@CiscoNetAcad) September 21, 2017

Expertise, trust, transparency, & accountability to the public. Revenue is important, but the interests of our citizens are 1st. #CiscoChat

— Colleen Wong (@colleenwong) September 21, 2017

What do you think is on the horizon for PPPs given the power of technology and innovation?

Digitization is connecting cities, companies, countries, and people, igniting growth in new ways. It is creating new jobs and offering new opportunities for nonprofits and businesses alike. #CiscoChat participants and guest partner NESsT offered insight into how they see and experience technology’s impact on public-private partnerships.

A5 Anticipate significant increase as competent and capable community orgs rise with increased business savvy. #CiscoChat #CamdenDream

— Keith Davis (@CamdenCDC) September 21, 2017

A5.2: Technology makes programs like NetAcad more inclusive, so more people can benefit. It is a game-changer. -LQ #CiscoChat

— Networking Academy (@CiscoNetAcad) September 21, 2017

Can you share more about a real-world example of a PPP you’ve led that resulted in large-scale impact?

This was one of my favorite parts of the #CiscoChat – so inspiring! From debit cards that empower refugees, to bathrooms delivered to your door in Peru, to Cisco Networking Academy, participants showcased the inspiring ways they are working with partners to create long-lasting impact.

A6: Partners like @Mastercard have helped @WFP launch electronic payment systems so #refugees can use debit cards. #CiscoChat (1/2)

— World Food Program USA (@WFPUSA) September 21, 2017

A6: These cards have given #refugees the dignity to purchase their own food, while also boosting the local economy. #CiscoChat (2/2)

— World Food Program USA (@WFPUSA) September 21, 2017

A6. What if you could have a bathroom delivered to
your door? PPPs in Peru are doing just that: https://t.co/KmRbJC0lwU #ciscochat

— Jane Jamieson (@janejamieson05) September 21, 2017

A6.1: I believe Cisco Networking Academy is one of the biggest, most impactful, and longest-running PPPs in the world. -LQ #CiscoChat

— Networking Academy (@CiscoNetAcad) September 21, 2017

What would you say is the most important best practice to follow when developing and implementing successful PPPs?

The answers showed the importance of both knowledge and heart. For example:  determining mission alignment, ensuring that gaps are covered, listening, and letting oneself care about the success of the program.

A7.1: Listen, listen, listen… and listen some more #CiscoChat

— Sasha Kapadia (@SashaKapadia) September 21, 2017

A7.3: Last, let yourself be invested in the success – you have to care about the outcomes! #CiscoChat

— Sasha Kapadia (@SashaKapadia) September 21, 2017

A7 Determine Mission Alignment! AND, ensure that gaps in service are covered to meet established objectives -DEFINE success. #CiscoChat

— Keith Davis (@CamdenCDC) September 21, 2017

We’re thrilled that such an experienced and inspiring group of leaders joined us to share their thoughts on public-private partnerships. We’d also like to thank everyone who contributed via Twitter. Have a best practice to share or a question that wasn’t answered? Leave us a comment below.

For more best practices on developing and implementing a successful public-private partnership, check out Laura Quintana’s five-part blog series on using PPPs to make progress on our world’s largest societal issues.