Collaborative Innovation Projects Research Articles

Group Antenatal Care Start-Up in the Indian Private Sector: An Implementation Journey to Improve Quality of Care.

The introduction of the innovative group antenatal and postnatal care model into the private health sector in India has the potential to pivot the experiences of families during pregnancy and beyond. Growing evidence worldwide shows this model moves fragmented healthcare systems toward a more integrated model to improve quality in care and outcomes for mothers and children. The aim of this study was to better understand the challenges and benefits of implementation of the group model of antenatal care in the Indian private health sector for the purpose of improving quality of care. Through a collaborative innovation project led by a master's student of public health and an international organization with expertise in implementing this model, an urban 35-bed private hospital in Pune was identified with readiness to explore the model with stakeholders, train hospital staff as facilitators, and initiate group antenatal care. Semi-structured interviews with facilitators, along with feedback from participants in cohorts and observation of the groups by the trainer, were done for qualitative analysis of themes related to the strengths and barriers in implementing the model. A total of 31 pregnant women participated in two cohorts over their second to third trimesters for group antenatal care with a team of three facilitators from November 2022 to June 2023. On review of experiences in implementing the model, the top strengths demonstrated were meeting of felt needs of the participants, high engagement, and relative advantage of the model. Challenges for implementation included for scheduling and attendance, adapting the model for compatibility, capacity-building, and need for more ongoing planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Through this innovation project, important lessons were learned for robust planning for a future pilot study. Patient-centered and integrated antenatal care are markers of quality of care that this group model can bring not only in the private healthcare sector but throughout India.

Failed cases of collaborative innovation: when a castle turns into a tent

ABSTRACT Co-production is put forward as a potential solution for the many wicked problems governments face today. There is a gap in the literature, however, when it comes to failed cases. Little is known about projects that never get launched or implemented. Secondly, there is an emphasis on knowledge about setting-up and implementing projects. Yet, studies that consider the sustainability of collaborative innovation projects are scarce. This article delves into the elements that make projects of collaborative innovation fail and studies this throughout the innovation cycle. It builds on the data of 32 in-depth interviews with experienced practitioners .

Like minds think alike: impacts of cultural and trust congruences on joint innovation

PurposeEngaging suppliers in joint innovation can be an effective means for buyer firms to overcome internal resource/capability limitations. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impacts of cultural and trust congruences between the supplier and buyer firms on joint innovation. In addition, we examine the relationship commitment as an antecedent of cultural and trust congruences.Design/methodology/approachThe study constructs a theoretical model based on social exchange theory (SET) and examines it using data from Chinese manufacturing firms.FindingsThe results suggest that cultural and trust congruences between suppliers and buyers positively influence joint processes and product innovations. Furthermore, we find that while normative relationship commitments of supplier firms promote cultural and trust congruences with buyers, instrumental relationship commitments only positively affect trust congruence.Originality/valueThis study enhances our understanding of social exchanges by adopting a dyadic view to examine the interconnectedness between relationship commitment, cultural and trust congruences, and joint innovation. These findings also offer practical managerial implications for managing collaborative innovation projects.

Prioritizing Stakeholders in Collaborative Research and Innovation Projects Toward Sustainability

Stakeholder engagement in collaborative research and innovation projects poses significant challenges, particularly in complex, multistakeholder settings addressing sustainability concerns. This study proposes a novel method for stakeholder prioritization in such projects, combining the analytic network process (ANP) tool with the sustainability categories of the P5 standard for sustainability in project management. Its applicability and usefulness are demonstrated through a case study project, using the new stakeholder theory (NST) lens. The ANP-P5 method can assist project managers in effectively aligning stakeholder management with both sustainability and NST principles.

Corporation–start-up collaboration: how can the tensions stemming from asymmetries be managed?

ABSTRACT Corporation-start-up collaboration (CSC) generates strategic and managerial challenges. Building on resource dependence theory (RDT), this study examines these challenges through the lenses of asymmetries and tensions. Although existing research has investigated several types of tensions and mechanisms, the tensions generated by asymmetries in CSC and their management remain underexplored. Conducting exploratory qualitative research, we investigated five innovation projects involving Enedis, i.e., the leading French energy network provider, and five start-ups with different characteristics. Adopting a dynamic approach, we elucidated seven types of tensions stemming from six asymmetries requiring adequate management. This management relies on a hybrid model, combining three formal and two informal mechanisms. Our study thus contributes to the literature on CSC. Considering asymmetries and innovation process phases, we provide guidance for managing tensions in collaborative innovation projects.

Why should stakeholders consider the effect of tensions in collaborative innovation in healthcare—lessons learned from surveying integrated care projects in Germany

IntroductionThe German Innovation Fund supports projects that aim to improve healthcare through integration and intersectoral collaboration. As is typical for collaborative innovation projects, partners often pursue different objectives, which can create tensions and affect outcomes. The study aims to explore the causes and effects of tensions in integrated care projects and how frameworks, processes, and management should be designed to deal with tensions and achieve their productive effects.MethodsIn an online survey we asked participants about the causes, effects, and management of tensions and their implications for integrated care projects (n = 58 completed questionnaires). We applied bivariate descriptive statistics to analyse the quantitative data.ResultsTensions between stakeholders, caused by deep-seated differences and the design of the project frameworks, often affect the course and outcome of innovative integrated care projects. However, through appropriate conflict management and negotiation processes such tensions can be managed constructively and lead to better outcomes.DiscussionTension is usually seen as something unpleasant to be avoided and/or overcome. In fact, tensions can have positive effects, the importance of which remains little understood. Developing appropriate frameworks for managing and integrating different perspectives are key factors in unlocking the positive potential of tensions in integrated care projects.

Cooperation in an uncertain environment: The impact of stakeholders' concerted action on collaborative innovation projects risk management

Due to the impact of the epidemic, the risk management strategies of stakeholders in the project have undergone significant changes. Recently, more and more companies have adopted collaborative innovation to develop new businesses. While in an uncertain environment, it is difficult for stakeholders to generate complete trust to integrate resources to achieve systematic management of project risks. Concerted action by stakeholders becomes a viable solution to this problem. Based on collaborative theory and risk management lifecycle, this paper proposes a stakeholder-risk integration analysis framework and builds a double-layer network model to verify it. A case study was conducted, including parallel simulation experiments with different concerted action strategies. The results show that project risks can be effectively controlled when stakeholders take concerted actions to deal with the risks. Under the conditions of complex stakeholder and risk relationships in collaborative innovation projects, stakeholders can achieve systematic risk control through behavioral cooperation without devoting their personal resources, which is beneficial to protect stakeholders' interests. Our research will contribute to the theory by promoting risk management research from the perspective of resource integration to organization and action integration. Finally, we make recommendations for management and future research.

Dynamic Evaluation of Project Governance in Collaborative Innovation Projects: A Case of Industry Technology Research Institute

Collaborative innovation projects (CIPs) are a typical type of inter-organizational collaboration project to deliver innovative results, in which diverse and dynamic collaborative relationships exist among stakeholders. The project’s success depends on appropriate governance mechanisms to coordinate the relationship between stakeholders. Contractual governance and relational governance both play an important role in successful project delivery. Existing research on the static evaluation method of project governance has obvious contradictions with the dynamic characteristics of stakeholder collaboration relationships during the innovation process. In response, this study proposes a dynamic evaluation method of CIP governance that uses stakeholder networks as the evaluation object, thus filling in gaps in the literature on CIP governance and contributing to the development of governance theory. A project of the Industry Technology Research Institute (ITRI) was chosen as a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. The results show that contractual governance and relational governance both have a strong impact on stakeholder collaboration in the whole stage of CIPs. The governance effect is determined by the changeable contractual and relational governance structure, not just the stakeholder’s power of the general understanding. The findings have implications for the governance of CIPs and mainstream project governance research.

A Method to Identify Main Paths of Knowledge Diffusion for Collaborative Innovation Projects

A Method to Identify Main Paths of Knowledge Diffusion for Collaborative Innovation Projects

Harnessing creative tensions: A micro-level study of value creation

This paper explores the emergence of micro-level creative tensions and their interplay within collaborative innovation projects. Our findings demonstrate how, at the microlevel, an evolving set of actors, activities and artifacts support collaborative innovation in science-based SMEs. Our analysis highlights how activities and artifacts are linked through creative tensions emerging from situations of close interaction between diverse actors. We demonstrate how a mutually constitutive duality captures the paradoxical nature of creative tensions. Furthermore, our findings show how actors employ ambidexterity in navigating and harnessing creative tensions and develop artifacts that create value. We propose a framework that captures micro-level value creation in collaborative innovation. We suggest three research propositions that explore interconnectedness between actors from diverse backgrounds, diversity of knowledge and skills in contributing to innovation activities, and ambidexterity in navigating creative tensions in developing artifacts in the form of innovative products, services and processes.

Achieving a shared understanding in the creative industries: freelancers’ use of boundary objects in collaborative innovation projects

This paper examines how freelancers in the field of the creative industries capture and distil their clients’ needs and wants in collaborative innovation projects. Our empirical data from sixteen collaborative product-development processes led by freelancers in Finland and Spain allowed us to identify that boundary objects were critical for the achievement of a shared understanding at the beginning of the development process. In the later stages, the use of these objects decreased drastically and dialogue became the focus. The existence of a project match – whether the project was relevant and interesting for the freelancer – and a personal match – perceived similarity with the client in terms of thought and sense-making processes – were crucial to ensure engagement. From a managerial perspective, this paper stresses the importance of finding a personal and project match, highlights the role of boundary objects to create a shared understanding and reinforces the importance of dialogue in development processes and collaborative innovation.

Exploring the influence of risk management on the performance of industry–university collaborative projects: the moderating role of knowledge management capabilities

PurposeEffective management of risk and knowledge is critical to ensure the success of industry–university collaboration (IUC) projects. However, the intricate dynamics through which these factors influence the performance of IUC projects have yet to be fully investigated. The purpose of this study is to explore the interplay between risk management and knowledge management capabilities and their impact on IUC project performance.Design/methodology/approachA model was constructed and evaluated through the examination of a sample of 188 collaborative innovation projects located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), utilizing structural equation models (SEM) and hierarchical regression analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that social system risk, technical system risk and project management risk have a negative impact on the performance of university–industry collaboration (UIC) projects, while cultural, technical and structural knowledge management capabilities can mitigate the negative impact of these risks on the performance of IUC projects.Practical implicationsThe study concludes with three recommendations aimed at improving the management of UIC projects, including the establishment of a distinct and precise management strategy, the deployment of a comprehensive and systematized management methodology and the adoption of a balanced management framework.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this study lie in its exploration of the interplay between risk management and knowledge management capabilities in IUC projects. While previous studies have examined either risk management or knowledge management in IUC projects separately, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of both factors and their combined impact on project performance. The study also contributes to the literature by highlighting the specific risks and knowledge management capabilities that are most relevant to the context of IUC projects in the UAE. The practical recommendations offered by the study can help project managers and stakeholders to improve the success of collaborative innovation projects.

An Improved Semi-synthesis of Tripchlorolide

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size AcknowledgmentsThis work was supported by the Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (No. 2020B1111110007); Science and Technology Project of Guangzhou (Nos. 202002010004 and 202201020488); Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2017B030314166 and 2022A1515010103); the Specific Research Fund for TCM Science and Technology of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (No. YN2020QN02); Research Fund for Bajian Talents of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (No. BJ2022KY08); Collaborative Innovation Project of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Nos. 2021xk69 and 2021xk08); and Special Funds for State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine (Nos. SZ2021ZZ33 and SZ2021ZZ11).Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (No. 2020B1111110007); Science and Technology Project of Guangzhou (Nos. 202002010004 and 202201020488); Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2017B030314166 and 2022A1515010103); the Specific Research Fund for TCM Science and Technology of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (No. YN2020QN02); Research Fund for Bajian Talents of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (No. BJ2022KY08); Collaborative Innovation Project of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Nos. 2021xk69 and 2021xk08); and Special Funds for State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine (Nos. SZ2021ZZ33 and SZ2021ZZ11).

Radiotherapy delivery error detection with electronic portal imaging device (EPID)-based in vivo dosimetry.

Radiotherapy delivery error detection with electronic portal imaging device (EPID)-based in vivo dosimetry.

A relations-based evaluation framework to support collaborative research and innovation (R&I) networks

The majority of the projects funded under the European Research Framework Programme (FP) require a collaborative effort in order to tackle complex societal challenges. The underlying assumption is that collaborative networks boost research productivity and the attainment of the goals set out by the European Commission's agenda. In general, the production of scientific knowledge increasingly takes place within networks and consortia with a wide diversity and interlinkages of disciplines, expertise, backgrounds and approaches. This relational dimension has become even more important in the Horizon Europe FP, which has moved from a project-focused to a mission-oriented approach whereby a portfolio of projects is managed in coordination in order to stimulate cross-learning and experimentation. Starting from key concepts and theories of evaluation research, including ten years of experience for the Italian National Research Council (CNR) team as an internal evaluator, we are proposing a new approach, namely a Relations-based Evaluation (RE) approach, that analyses, assesses and builds relationships, both internal and external, with the ultimate aim of supporting collaborative research and innovation (R&I) projects. The framework originated within the context of EU projects and deals with the specific case of consortia funded under the EU FPs. However, it could be easily applied to other types of research consortia and project networks with similar features.

SG-APSIC1132: BHQ isolation cart management at a Bangkok Hospital

Objectives: We aimed to provide sufficient equipment to effectively and efficiently track all equipment. Advanced management procedures are available for the treatment of any patients with infections or immunodeficiency as well as those who need special treatment or isolation from others. This management plan can be beneficial for the hospital by promoting process improvement and achieving cost effectiveness. Methods: The instruments used were surveyed in all departments of Bangkok Hospital and these data were analyzed. We used a plan–do–check–act (PDCA) strategy to improve the management by moving from a manual system to a collaborative innovation project that used 4 technological systems: (1) storage identification and identification codes for equipment; (2) request, return, and delivery using the Nsmart system; (3) transportation, receiving, and delivery; and (4) an HIS system for tracing and NSterile version 4.0 software for reporting. Results: The BHQ isolation cart management system helped the hospital control inventory and prevent infection and helped standardize patient services to improve quality at the hospital. Conclusions: This report confirms earlier findings that sufficient equipment can be made available to patients with no extra cost to management. Our findings can contribute to efforts to prevent the virus from spreading within the hospital.

Start-up collaboration units as knowledge brokers in Corporate Innovation Ecosystems: A study in the automotive industry

Start-up collaboration units (SCUs) are organizational units specifically created by large companies to facilitate collaboration with start-ups within their corporate innovation ecosystems (CIEs). The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of SCUs with reference to the transfer of knowledge between start-ups and large companies in collaborative innovation projects. An embedded case study was undertaken with three large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive sector. Interviews were conducted with managers of the three OEMs, of the intermediaries they collaborate with, and of the start-ups involved. Data were systematically coded and analyzed. The main barriers to knowledge exchange in partnerships between large companies and start-ups were identified, i.e. mismatches in the interpretation of knowledge and mismatches in the expectations of the partners. In addition, strategies have been identified that can be used by SCUs to facilitate knowledge flows, namely building networks, integrating communication, knowledge elicitation, orchestrating dialog, thinking outside the box, and increasing agility. This study is one of the first to focus on SCUs. It contributes to understanding collaborative innovation processes involving start-ups by studying the knowledge-broker role played by SCUs in the complex network of actors (large companies, start-ups, innovation intermediaries, public institutions) that make up a CIE.

Prioritizing stakeholders to boost collaborative R&I projects benefits: an analytic network process approach

A methodology was developed to prioritize stakeholders of a collaborative research and innovation (R&I) project in the circular bioeconomy area, towards enhancing its benefits from a multi-perspective point of view. The concept of R&I project benefits was broken down into criteria, evaluating different attributes related to the project outputs and outcomes, to the project management processes, and to the social, environmental and economic dimensions. The devised methodology was based on a combination of the analytic network process multicriteria decision making method and the key benefit categories from the P5 standard for sustainability in project management. The P5 standard has been shown to adequately frame the benefits to stakeholders of R&I projects in the topic of circular bioeconomy. Key benefits identified by the experts relate to the categories "society and costumers" and "consumption". The following stakeholders should have priority in the development of the project stakeholder management plan: research team members, leaders at the consortium organizations, project management team members and environmental NGOs. Future research will include a longitudinal study of the perceived stakeholder and benefit categories priority over time

Sustaining and Growing Innovations in Democracy and Co-Creation

Co-creation of public services implies new roles and responsibilities that, at least potentially, change the balance of control. In this way, it aligns closely with democratic renewal. This paper draws on the outcomes of a collaborative innovation project Co-creation of Service Innovation in Europe (CoSIE) funded under Horizon 2020. CoSIE built upon the idea that public sector innovations can be best achieved by creating collaborative partnerships between service providers (public sector agencies, third sector organisations, private companies) and citizens who receive services directly or indirectly. CoSIE was implemented through ten real-life innovation pilots in different public services across Europe. Results showed how co-creative methods could promote democratic dimensions, increasing the civic participation of marginalised and often voiceless population groups (residents of depleted urban neighbourhoods, disabled people in remote rural areas, citizens adrift from the world of work, and non-EU migrants). Some CoSIE pilots were more successful than others in extending impact beyond their immediate localities and service contexts. The paper highlights common factors that helped share learning and evolve project innovations into the ‘modus operandi’ of institutions and societies.

Universities as Internationalization Catalysts: Reversing Roles in University–Industry Collaboration

AbstractUniversity–industry (U‐I) collaboration is vital to the development of society. However, this important interaction has become something of a caricature whereby a sequential and unidirectional relationship exists, with universities creating knowledge and industries commercializing it. We address this issue by using the triple helix (TH) perspective and the network‐revised Uppsala model of internationalization to demonstrate how this relationship can be reversed. We present an embedded longitudinal case study of a UK–China innovation programme, run by a UK university with the aim of supporting the development of 62 collaborative innovation projects between 58 UK small and medium enterprises and Chinese organizations. The results reveal a pressing need to revisit universities’ third mission: the transfer of academic knowledge to industry. The findings demonstrate universities’ role as internationalization catalysts for firms engaged in U‐I collaboration. This signals an important and underexplored component of the TH perspective. The knowledge exchange type in U‐I relationships shows a possible reversal in firm and university roles, where knowledge and technology are contributed by firms, and access to markets is orchestrated by universities, which become internationalization platforms.