Over the past decade, there has been significant growth in the literature addressing risk issues associated with Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs). However, few studies have attempted to comprehensively map and visualize research in this domain. This study aims to fill this gap through a systematic literature review conducted in four stages, utilizing knowledge mapping analysis. More than 400 peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and September 2023 were examined, making this study the first to analyze such a substantial sample of papers in this field. The research identifies three distinct phases of growth trends in PPP risk management studies. To minimize arbitrariness and subjectivity in analyzing research focuses, this study employed a scientometric approach using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.19), which provides insights into the current state and trends of research on PPP risk management, including high-frequency keywords, contributions of core authors, and distribution across countries, regions, institutions, and journals. In addition to the scientometric analysis, a qualitative review identified six primary research interests, various research perspectives, and diverse methodologies present within the literature. Based on these findings, this study culminates in the development of a conceptual model for risk management in PPPs, offering a structured framework for future research and practical application. This study contributes to the literature by providing the first large-scale, comprehensive mapping and analysis of PPP risk management research, presenting a novel conceptual model that connects theoretical insights with practical implications, and highlighting key areas for future exploration.

This research aims to explore and analyze the critical success factors (CSFs) that increase the likelihood of successful implementation of tourism PPP projects in China. As an important step toward developing such a protocol, this study identifies and examines 22 critical success factors for tourism PPPs based on a systematic research approach, which includes a rigorous literature review, and semi-structured interviews. A questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the relative importance of these 22 CSF. The results show that the top three critical success factors for China’s tourism PPPs are: adequate project evaluation and demonstration; political support and stability; clear and stable policy documents on PPP. Factor analysis indicated that the 22 CSFs could be grouped into five principal success factor groups. These insights are expected to profoundly influence the development of policies related to tourism PPPs, providing a structured framework to enhance the efficiency and success of these ventures.