Governance lifecycles of inter-organizational collaboration: A case study of the Port of Rotterdam

Abstract

An increasing use of inter-organizational collaboration systems can be observed. As multiple organizations often rely on these systems, even for business-critical processes, proper governance of these systems is crucial. This study aims to explain governance of inter-organizational collaboration systems by describing roles in collaborations, governance lifecycles, governance models, and how these roles affect the governance model in the lifecycles. A case study in Port of Rotterdam is described. The port collaboration in Rotterdam has gone through one full governance lifecycle and has entered the second iteration after the set-up of Portbase. During both cycles, the collaboration has maintained its Network Administrative Organization governance model. The case study analysis of Rotterdam’s port community provides an example of how a systematic approach could help to discuss and communicate the governance of inter-organizational collaboration systems.