At this stage, it is important to identify the specific features of the implemented collaboration model. It is defined by its mode of governance (which determines the power structure), by the very nature of the collaboration in terms of sharing responsibilities and benefits among partners and by the organisational methods or measures used for co-operative management.

The governance method refers to the power structure that governs collaboration among partners. The following factors need to be taken into consideration:

• governance structure, description, degree of formality, level of centralisation and flexibility, and division of tasks
• environment, culture and relations among partners
• degree of citizen-client, employee and other interest groups' participation.

The nature of the collaboration determines the purpose of the collaboration and the sharing of responsibilities among partners. There are a number of crucial factors including:

• nature and scope of activities associated with the project: Design, Build, Own,Operate, Lease, Transfer (DBOOLT)
• sharing of political, legal, judicial, financial, ethical, environmental, commercial, managerial, liability and residual value risks
• sharing of direct benefits (revenues) and indirect benefits (savings) and expertise (training, showcase, future development)
• sharing of resources in terms of direct and indirect costs, and ownership rights
• relevance and equity

The organisational method defines the nature of the arrangements implemented to manage the collaboration project. The following factors need to be considered:

• financing method
• location of management team and service centre
• business and technological planning and monitoring measures
• monitoring and management process evaluation, performance, rewarding, performance incentives
• means of communication and utilisation of ITCs to co-ordinate efforts

These factors define the particular method of governance chosen to implement and manage the collaboration project. In some cases, it involves a repetition of the factors listed in the previous dimension pertaining to the collaboration process. This dimension provides the opportunity to capture the uniqueness of the public service delivery method.