Company-level cross-sector collaborations in transition to the bioeconomy: A multi-case study

Abstract

Cross-sector collaboration has gained importance as a way for forest sector companies to increase innovation via novel partnerships and to identify and develop new business opportunities within the bioeconomy. Despite this, limited empirical research describes why and how forest and other sector (e.g., textiles, energy, or plastics, etc.) companies choose to collaborate. This study documents factors impacting the formation and implementation as well as the outcomes of collaborations between forest and other sector companies for developing new products. A qualitative, multi-case study is used to profile four collaborations involving eight companies operating in North America, Europe, and Asia. In two of the collaborations, partners chose not to attempt commercialization of the product/technology that was the focus of the collaboration, while two collaborations are ongoing. Results suggest that turbulent environments and desire to be ahead of competitors are the main reasons for forest sector companies to collaborate. Collaborations resulted in enhanced learning, intellectual property creation, enhanced value, and culture change, even when the primary goal of the collaboration was not realized.