Collaboration Arenas - CARENA

Purpose and goal

The project´s purpose was to propose, implement and test a specific tool for strategic collaboration, hereafter referred to as collaboration arena (CA). A CA aims to create value for all participating organizations by naturally linking operational activities at each partner, with both higher-level subject specific collaboration as well as strategic collaboration at highest organisational levels. This means that the collaboration that individuals carry out, at different organisational levels, can be linked to a structured and strategic collaboration between organizations.

Expected results and effects

Regarding the long-term effects, the project partners have already found that the layered model for strategic collaboration is a useful tool for developing collaboration with external partners. Many of the CAs implemented within the project can already demonstrate significant positive effects on, mainly, increased external funding of research, but also the establishment of physical collaboration environments. Therefore it appears that the project is well placed to meet the expectations, in terms of anticipated the long term effects.

Planned approach and implementation

The project studied collaboration from different perspectives. One was to define the concept collaboration arena (CA). To show that interaction takes place at several different organisational levels, a layered model for collaboration was proposed. The definition and model was evaluated using interviews with representatives of existing CAs. The project had a significant practical part, i.e., the development of a number of CAs. These were used to develop the definition and model, and to identify recommendations for activities that should / should not be done when establishing a CA.