Part I. A framework of partnering for infrastructure maintenance

The nature of maintenance is complex and greatly influenced by relationship among various actors involved in execution of maintenance tasks. The relationship factor becomes more critical when outsourcing maintenance tasks. The most important success factor is creating mutual “goodwill trust” between partners. Another important factor is the use of economic incentives for both parties. A formal partnering process, top management support and relevant outcome measures are also important for a partnership to be positive. Partnering is a potential “tool” to create success. Based on a review of the partnering literature and experiences from Swedish railway sector, a partnering framework for maintenance contracts has been developed. The partnering framework considers four main factors, namely requirements and potential for partnering, the partnering process, success elements and measures on partnering success.