Strategic Partnership Research Articles

The Role of the United States in the Formation of BRICS

This article critically examines the formation of the BRICS alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with a specific focus on the pivotal role played by the United States in shaping this strategic partnership. It explores the extent of US influence and the accompanying responsibilities it assumes within the alliance. The article highlights the proactive efforts of Brazil, Russia, and China to expand their global influence while concurrently aiming to reduce US interference. Brazil, in particular, seeks partnerships with Russia and China as a means to attain autonomy and foster development. Simultaneously, Russia and China strive to challenge US global dominance and solidify their own spheres of influence. The article concludes by emphasising the importance of critically evaluating Europe's military support to Ukraine, suggesting that such support may primarily serve US interests. Additionally, it underscores Europe's potential to promote peace and stability by pursuing independent and principled foreign policies.

Correction to: A novel approach for modelling strategic alliances and partnerships based on the DEA-R models

Correction to: A novel approach for modelling strategic alliances and partnerships based on the DEA-R models

Strategic Alliances and Lending Relationships

ABSTRACT We study how proprietary information flows in strategic alliances facilitate banks’ information collection in private debt markets. We argue that lenders that have previously worked with a borrower’s alliance partners have an information advantage and show that firms entering a strategic alliance receive a lower interest spread on loans from banks that have previously lent to their strategic partners than loans from other banks. Cross-sectional tests on alliances’ economic importance and participants’ information environment support our hypothesis that the loan price effect is driven by reduced information asymmetry between borrowers and their partners’ relationship banks. Last, we find borrowers are more likely to obtain debt financing from alliance-related banks than from other banks. Overall, our findings are consistent with lenders that have previously worked with an alliance counterparty possessing debt contracting-relevant information about the soft nature of alliance value and the partners’ commitment to alliances. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: G10; G21; G32.

Participatory design as an instrument in designing functionally and technically complex buildings

ABSTRACT This paper explores the practice of participatory design (PD) in the process of designing functionally and technically complex buildings, exemplified through the case study of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in Pristina (Kosovo), a building that conducts and promotes scientific discoveries. Functional complexity refers to the number and diversity of functions the building needs to accommodate, while technical complexity refers to the degree of sophistication and intricacy in the building's systems and components. Participatory design can be a valuable design approach in designing complex buildings. The case of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in Pristina (Kosovo) is an example of how PD can be transformed into an instrument of understanding the complexity of the building by promoting a user-focused design approach and helping in designing the tools of involvement depending on the goals to be achieved. Briefing workshop, design game and choice catalogue were methods that were used while a variety of tools were designed during the design stages; some were adaptations of existing PD tools and others were designed especially for this case. The participants included a diverse ‘multiple community’ of stakeholders, comprising end users (students, professors and administrative staff), strategic partners (client, investor, project manager and executives) as well as the technical working group (engineers and technical experts). The results demonstrate PD’s transformative potential into a structured instrument for understanding, analysing and preventing mistakes in the design of complex buildings.

Avenues for Coexistence: How Perception of Costs and Benefits Shape Attitudes towards Wolves

AbstractHuman dimensions play a pivotal role in wolf management and conservation. To offer an informed basis to improve Human-Wolf coexistence, we explore how socio-demographic factors, fear, knowledge, and perceptions of costs and benefits of wolf presence drive human attitudes in the southern area of the Douro River, Portugal, a region inhabited by a small and endangered wolf population. We interviewed 220 people (175 from the general public, 13 hunters, and 32 livestock owners) through a semi-structured survey organized on a 5-point Likert scale. Public and hunter respondents exhibited neutral to positive attitudes, whereas livestock owners expressed negative to neutral attitudes and revealed a Not-In-My-Backyard sentiment. We found that positive attitudes were linked to a greater receptiveness to increased wolf numbers, particularly in areas of irregular wolf presence. Fear was a significant driver of public attitudes, while the presence of wolves influenced livestock owners’views. For both groups, attitudes were also influenced by perceived costs and benefits. Knowledge about wolves did not significantly influence attitudes, with scores being consistently low across groups, and the myth of reintroduction persisting. Thus, management actions should address the concerns and complaints of individuals directly affected by wolves, dispel common fears and myths, and emphasize the ecological and economic benefits of wolf presence in the territory. Media outlets can serve as strategic partners in engaging the neutral population through untargeted interventions. Prioritizing the input of all groups, including conservationists, is essential for establishing common ground and ensuring sustained coexistence.

Sky Is the Limit: Examining the Evolution of Indo-Israel Defence Relations

The symbiotic relationship between India and Israel is underpinned by their parallel experiences following the tumultuous partition. The steadfast adherence to democratic principles, joint efforts to counter belligerent neighboring states, and the mounting specter of transnational terrorism have further cemented their bond. This research paper delves into the evolution of India's diplomatic entente with Israel. Geopolitically, the two nations have collaborated in counterterrorism, defense, intelligence coordination, research, and advancements in the scientific and technological domains. Their bilateral cooperation has extended to encompass agriculture, water resource management, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, consequently bolstering their strategic partnership for mutual benefit. This paper scrutinizes the intricate strategic alignment forged between India and Israel in 1992, which marked the conclusion of a protracted diplomatic estrangement spanning over four decades subsequent to their declarations of independence. It principally focuses on their concerted endeavors in counterterrorism, encompassing initiatives such as mutual information sharing, implementation of counterterrorism strategies, amplification of telecommunications infrastructure, and fortification of internet networks. The study supplies a comprehensive scrutiny of the multifaceted challenges confronting India in combatting terrorist threats within its borders, taking into consideration both international dynamics and domestic political barriers that influence the country's collaborative pursuits with Israel. Moreover, it meticulously evaluates the catalytic role of the Narendra Modi administration in strengthening the defense alliance between the two nations.

The development of the Eastern Polygon is a priority of the Russian economy in the context of a turn to the East

The article shows the importance of the Eastern Landfill modernization project for the development of Russian regions and the country's economy. The chronology of the implementation of the Eastern Landfill modernization project and its prospects are given, taking into account existing plans for the development of freight capacity, as well as the forecast of demand for domestic, export-import and transit cargo transportation. The influence of the curtailment of Russia's cooperation with Europe and the turn to the East on the change in the dynamics and structure of Russian rail freight transportation is analyzed. It is shown that the project of modernization of the Eastern Polygon in the context of the observed fragmentation of the global economy will enhance Russia's role in the promising Asia-Pacific region and strengthen long-term cooperation with its strategic partner, China.

Remembering the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait: Anniversary journalism’s role in collective memory and the State’s pursuit of ontological security

Seeking to broaden collective memory research beyond major nations and high-profile events (e.g., the Cold War and September 11), this study explores how Kuwaiti newspapers memorialized Saddam Hussein’s August 2, 1990, invasion of Kuwait. By tracing the evolution of commemorative narratives over three decades and observing how they resonate with the state’s political context, the role of the Kuwaiti press in shaping collective memory is shown. Additionally, given the shifts in Kuwait’s foreign policy—from initial animosity toward Iraq to a strategic partnership—prompted by leadership changes and the 2003 US–Iraq War, this study examines how commemorations reflected and solidified Kuwait’s evolving identity. In this context, the study evaluates the role of journalists as active participants in the state’s continuous pursuit of ontological security, which focuses on establishing a stable and recognized national identity alongside physical security.

Significance of ESG in Farmer Producing Organizations

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) hold immense potential to transform Indian agriculture. However, challenges like low farmer income, climate change, and FPO sustainability persist. This paper explores how integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can address these concerns and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable agricultural ecosystem. Despite significant growth, a large portion of FPOs fail within a few years due to factors like inadequate resources and poor leadership. ESG principles offer a solution by promoting sustainable practices, fair labor conditions, and responsible governance. This not only benefits farmers through improved livelihoods and resource efficiency but also attracts socially responsible investors and strengthens stakeholder relationships. Implementing ESG requires a multi-pronged approach. Raising awareness among board members and farmers is essential, followed by developing tailored ESG policies and building capacity in sustainable practices. Collaboration with government agencies and NGOs can provide crucial resources and expertise. By embracing ESG, FPOs can overcome sustainability challenges, enhance profitability, and contribute to a healthier planet. This integration can be a game-changer for Indian agriculture, ensuring food security for future generations. By integrating ESG, FPOs can increase their market competitiveness, attract responsible investments, and contribute to a more equitable agricultural landscape. Implementing ESG requires a comprehensive approach, including awareness building, policy development, capacity building, and strategic partnerships. Ultimately, the adoption of ESG principles can transform FPOs into sustainable and resilient entities, driving positive change in the agricultural sector

Going Global and University Competitiveness: Skill set for strategic leadership

The terms “globalisation” and “internationalisation” of university have received a lot attention worldwide. Yet, being internationally visible does not mean that the university is properly internationalised. A university requires capacity to harnessing the power of strategic partnership and attracting renowned intellectuals to attain the global status and international appeal. University leadership must foster a holistic ecosystem in addressing community issues in line with SDGs. An integrative analytical framework for the strategic leadership combining three different areas of research: job related competencies, interpersonal competencies, and personal competencies is proposed, juxtaposing two dimensions – value and uniqueness – revealing different forms of university’s leadership.

Пути повышения конкурентоспособности российских металлургических компаний

The authors explore ways to improve the competitiveness of Russian metallurgical business on the example of two leading companies in the industry - PJSC Severstal and PJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works. The article analyses the strategies, financial results and methods used by these companies to strengthen their market positions, including investments in production modernisation, the introduction of innovative technologies, the development of strategic partnerships and a focus on environmental sustainability. The key highlights and achievements of each company are discussed, as well as their contribution to the development of the Russian steel industry. The article concludes by highlighting the key factors contributing to successful competition in the global market and offers recommendations to further improve the competitiveness of the Russian metallurgical complex.

Пути повышения конкурентоспособности металлургического комплекса России

The authors explore ways to improve the competitiveness of Russia's metallurgical complex on the example of two leading companies in the industry - PJSC Severstal and PJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works. The article analyses the strategies, financial results and methods used by these companies to strengthen their market positions, including investments in production modernisation, the introduction of innovative technologies, the development of strategic partnerships and a focus on environmental sustainability. The key highlights and achievements of each company are discussed, as well as their contribution to the development of the Russian steel industry. The article concludes by highlighting the key factors contributing to successful competition in the global market and offers recommendations to further improve the competitiveness of the Russian metallurgical complex.

Digital endpoints in clinical trials: emerging themes from a multi-stakeholder Knowledge Exchange event

BackgroundDigital technologies, such as wearable devices and smartphone applications (apps), can enable the decentralisation of clinical trials by measuring endpoints in people’s chosen locations rather than in traditional clinical settings. Digital endpoints can allow high-frequency and sensitive measurements of health outcomes compared to visit-based endpoints which provide an episodic snapshot of a person’s health. However, there are underexplored challenges in this emerging space that require interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. A multi-stakeholder Knowledge Exchange event was organised to facilitate conversations across silos within this research ecosystem.MethodsA survey was sent to an initial list of stakeholders to identify potential discussion topics. Additional stakeholders were identified through iterative discussions on perspectives that needed representation. Co-design meetings with attendees were held to discuss the scope, format and ethos of the event. The event itself featured a cross-disciplinary selection of talks, a panel discussion, small-group discussions facilitated via a rolling seating plan and audience participation via Slido. A transcript was generated from the day, which, together with the output from Slido, provided a record of the day’s discussions. Finally, meetings were held following the event to identify the key challenges for digital endpoints which emerged and reflections and recommendations for dissemination.ResultsSeveral challenges for digital endpoints were identified in the following areas: patient adherence and acceptability; algorithms and software for devices; design, analysis and conduct of clinical trials with digital endpoints; the environmental impact of digital endpoints; and the need for ongoing ethical support. Learnings taken for next generation events include the need to include additional stakeholder perspectives, such as those of funders and regulators, and the need for additional resources and facilitation to allow patient and public contributors to engage meaningfully during the event.ConclusionsThe event emphasised the importance of consortium building and highlighted the critical role that collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and cross-sector efforts play in driving innovation in research design and strategic partnership building moving forward. This necessitates enhanced recognition by funders to support multi-stakeholder projects with patient involvement, standardised terminology, and the utilisation of open-source software.

Critical Raw Materials, Economic Statecraft and Europe’s Dependence on China

ABSTRACT The People’s Republic of China (PRC) holds a dominant position along wide swaths of critical mineral and technology value chains that are necessary for achieving Europe’s decarbonisation policy goals. Many fear that the PRC will pursue increasingly coercive measures to leverage its supply chain advantage in pursuit of broader geopolitical objectives. Examining three mineral groups in which Beijing has enhanced supply chain restrictions in 2023, namely rare earth elements, gallium and graphite, highlights that the PRC’s priority has long been the pursuit of economic and industrial policy goals rather than a broader diplomatic agenda, though this could change. Arguably, leveraging raw materials is ultimately a weak form of economic statecraft, eliciting effective diversification strategies that in turn weaken a supplier state’s sources of leverage. Europe’s response, while slow to emerge, has been a strategy to reinvest in its own mineral extraction, refining and recycling capacities, on the one hand, and diversify global supply chains by expanding its strategic partnerships, on the other.

Challenges to Widespread Implementation of Stroke Thrombectomy.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke is one of the most efficacious and effective treatments in medicine, yet globally, its implementation remains limited. Patterns of EVT underutilization exist in virtually any health care system and range from a complete lack of access to selective undertreatment of certain patient subgroups. In this review, we outline different patterns of EVT underutilization and possible causes. We discuss common challenges and bottlenecks that are encountered by physicians, patients, and other stakeholders when trying to establish and expand EVT services in different scenarios and possible pathways to overcome these challenges. Lastly, we discuss the importance of implementation research studies, strategic partnerships, and advocacy efforts to mitigate EVT underutilization.

Experience design: Creating value for non-profits

In today’s hypercompetitive markets, most sectors are saturated with competitors making it more important than ever for companies to generate unique value for stakeholders. Customer experiences are being increasingly and purposefully crafted as a means to create such value and establish competitive advantage. Although for-profits have been quick to adopt the practice of experience design (XD) to develop meaningful experiences and interactions, non-profit entities have been slow to follow. XD is an integrated and strategic operational approach that creates relevant value for stakeholders of an organization by designing customizable yet consistent brand experiences. The failure to embrace and adopt XD is a missed opportunity for non-profits. While a well-crafted experience offers a supplemental value for the products and services of for-profit firms, experiences provide a fundamental and exceptional source of value for non-profit organizations. Thoughtful XD offers the potential to establish trust, improve connectivity, build loyalty, and boost relevance with a diverse set of stakeholders, including donors, employees, and strategic partners. Successful outcomes of well-executed XD at non-profit organizations include increased donor retention rates, larger financial resource pools, and enhanced societal impact. Our work outlines key principles for implementing XD and equips resource-constrained non-profits in implementing XD in a low-cost manner.

Absorptive capacity activation triggers: Insights from learning in project epochs of a project-based organization

Operating in an environment of rapid technological changes, project-based organizations need to stay continuously updated and, therefore, must develop absorptive capacity. This research introduces an innovative theoretical framework for the development of absorptive capacity within project-based organizations. However, this capability is often developed in an unplanned manner, as it is stimulated by what the literature calls activation triggers. By analyzing 54 significant automation projects across seven epochs, this study spans 25 years of a project-based organization. It reveals four knowledge sources of absorptive capacity and its activation triggers, classified into six groups. The framework underscores the strategic importance of activation triggers and offers valuable insights into the dynamics of absorptive capacity, emphasizing the significance of relationships with clients, technology partners, and strategic business partners, as well as the role of project-based learning. These findings provide practical implications for enhancing innovation and achieving sustainable success in project-based organizations.

Machine learning and deep learning tools for the automated capture of cancer surveillance data.

The National Cancer Institute and the Department of Energy strategic partnership applies advanced computing and predictive machine learning and deep learning models to automate the capture of information from unstructured clinical text for inclusion in cancer registries. Applications include extraction of key data elements from pathology reports, determination of whether a pathology or radiology report is related to cancer, extraction of relevant biomarker information, and identification of recurrence. With the growing complexity of cancer diagnosis and treatment, capturing essential information with purely manual methods is increasingly difficult. These new methods for applying advanced computational capabilities to automate data extraction represent an opportunity to close critical information gaps and create a nimble, flexible platform on which new information sources, such as genomics, can be added. This will ultimately provide a deeper understanding of the drivers of cancer and outcomes in the population and increase the timeliness of reporting. These advances will enable better understanding of how real-world patients are treated and the outcomes associated with those treatments in the context of our complex medical and social environment.

Strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt: A Historical Overview

This article examines the strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt, highlighting the historical significance and dynamics that have shaped this partnership since the 1970s. Egypt's strategic location and control of the Suez Canal contribute to its significant role in world trade and military strategies. Since the Cold War, U.S.-Egyptian relations have been characterized by military cooperation and significant economic assistance, despite occasional conflicts over human rights and democratization. While promoting democracy and protecting human rights worldwide, the United States has simultaneously supported authoritarian regimes in Egypt and the Middle East. Analyzing U.S. foreign policy towards Egypt, this study reveals a dichotomy between promotion of democratic values and security interests. This study highlights the benefits that the United States receives from this long-standing partnership as well as the implications for regional stability. Focusing on the intersection of U.S. values and security interests, this paper provides a balanced understanding of the long-term alliance and its impact on regional stability and international perceptions. This study uses historical analysis method to understand the nature and dynamics of the strategic relationship of the United States and Egypt.

Sports betting on sports consumers’ behavioral intention

ABSTRACT The legalization of sports betting has transformed the sports industry, and strategic partnerships between professional leagues and betting companies have become commonplace. The purpose of this study was to explore how sport fans actively engage in their favorite team via sports betting and examine the relationship between sports betting involvement, flow, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions among sports fans. An online survey was conducted to collect data from U.S. sports fans (N = 342), and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data. The results showed that sports betting involvement positively affects fans’ flow experience and satisfaction, which in turn increases their behavioral intentions regarding game attendance and media consumption. Overall, the study contributes to the sport management literature by substantiating the positive role of sports betting in enhancing sports fan experiences. The study provides valuable insights into how sports betting can be used to increase behavioral intention via satisfaction and flow.