"Impact, Integration and Identity in Cross-Sector Partnerships"

Abstract

This paper examines the partnership between a non-profit community hospital and a for-profit technology start-up using a longitudinal case study and a mixed method emergent research design that includes comprehensive real-time accounts, observation, direct communication, retrospective reflection and prospection. Prior literature on cross-sector interactions argue that partners actively co-create value through a deliberate goal-setting and frame-alignment process. We look beyond value creation to understand whether and how partners strive and reach impact in cross-sector collaborations. Elaborating on the two modes of synthesis discussed in the transdisciplinarity literature, we distinguish theoretically between extractive integration (part-to-part combinations) and additive integration (whole-to-whole combinations). We then empirically reveal two reinforcing cycles, showing that extraction promotes value creation whereas additive integration stimulates impact making. To iterate between value creation and ...