Description
The term "collaboration" is one that is being used a great deal in the business world, increasingly referring to cross-sector or industry collaborations. Business collaborations can vary enormously from developing a new technology through to supporting social change. However collaboration isn't achieved by organisations - it is achieved by the individuals in those organisations proactively making connections, building trust and identifying opportunities to work with others.
The drive for collaboration varies as much as the projects themselves, more frequently it is brought about by a change in R&D budgets, the reduction of long buying cycles, the need for innovation, the sharing of procurement or as an alternative to M&A. Collaborations are complex issues requiring expert people skills and vision.
In the past organisations have worked very hard to ensure their ideas and products are kept close to their chest and even now only want to collaborate on very specific areas. For individuals who are now expected to "get out there" and find these collaboration or partnership opportunities the challenge is huge - especially for those in fields not normally connected with networking, either internally or externally, or those venturing beyond their areas of expertise. However without their active support, collaboration is unlikely to get off the ground.
Each programme is bespoke to the people, organisation and outcome required. They are designed to support those who find themselves in a position where finding collaboration opportunities has now become their responsibility.