Collaboration in Technology Based-Networks is a tool to enable organisations to collaborate successfully in the exploitation of new technology.
Background
The pace of technological change, and the cost and complexity of its exploitation is increasing rapidly. Collaboration is, more than ever, the business model that offers a solution to these challenges. There are many barriers to overcome in creating a collaborative technology network successfully. This tool offers the means to recognise and overcome these barriers.
What outcome can be expected?
The following outcomes can be expected:
- improved opportunities for competitive advantage through shared exploitation of technology
- access to a wider range of partners and their technologies
- reduction of duplicated effort
- enhanced skills for technology management between organisations
- improved competitive ability
Elements
There are two main elements:
-
SME Collaboration Maturity Grid (adapted from the Cambridge Maturity Grid): identifies current and desired collaborative capability level.
-
Collaboration in Technology Based Networks Handbook: describes the deployment process
When should you use it?
The tool should be used when a network of organisations, who are in the process of adopting a collaborative approach to the development of new technology need to generate alignment, and build mutual trust and respect on both a personal and operational level.
How does it work?
Using the SME Collaboration Maturity Grid, skilled facilitators will guide companies through a series of workshops aimed at developing a mutual understanding of the scope and objectives of the collaboration and the management of roles and responsibilities. It is a four stage process:
1. Thinking strategically – what is best for our organisation?
2. Thinking collaboratively – what is best our organisations together?
3. Agreeing the direction – what are our priorities, objectives, time-scales?
4. Working collaboratively – let’s all do it!
Two facilitators, one of whom acts as an education partner advising on strategic and technology issues, guide the process. The second facilitator must be skilled in managing potential conflict during collaborative workshops.
