Creating Inclusive Value in Cross-Sector Collaborations

Abstract

Urban grand challenges call for novel cross-sector collaborations between public, private, and social sectors. While such cross-sector collaborations have the potential to generate broader systemic solutions to sustainability challenges, the diversity of the organisations involved demands constant realignment of collaborators’ goals, projected outcomes, and concomitant degrees of involvement. However, current research lacks an understanding of how cross-sector collaborations that aim to tackle GCs manage such diversity of actors and interests. To address this gap, we conducted an inductive, three-year longitudinal case study of a cross-sector collaboration aimed at generating new solutions for grand challenges in cities. We identify three different phases of development, each of which is characterised by alternative shared narratives, common practices, and joint outcomes. While the phase shifts were triggered by perceived dysfunctionality in public and private value creation, stability was maintained through inclusive value, which was determined by the interplay of narrative and practices. We contribute to the research on cross-sector collaboration, grand challenges by introducing inclusive value creation as a new type of collaborative value, and we propose and explicate three alternative processes that can create inclusive value. We also contribute to research on robust action by presenting an integrated form of robust action.