Transformation Partnerships Research Articles

CSR and Sustainable Development in India: A Study of Environmental Initiatives by Indian Corporations

This research paper explores the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development in India, focusing on environmental initiatives undertaken by Indian corporations. Given the growing significance of CSR in addressing environmental challenges, the study employs a qualitative analysis of various CSR programs across industries, supplemented by quantitative data to evaluate their effectiveness. The findings reveal that while many companies have integrated CSR into their business strategies, significant challenges remain, including regulatory complexities and the need for greater stakeholder engagement. Key results indicate that approximately 70% of Indian corporations have begun adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, reflecting a shift towards responsible governance. The implications of these findings highlight the critical role of CSR in achieving sustainable development goals and fostering corporate accountability. Furthermore, the paper outlines future directions for CSR in India, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation, climate resilience, and collaborative partnerships. By identifying emerging trends and areas for improvement, this study aims to provide a roadmap for corporations looking to enhance their CSR initiatives and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in India.

Meeting in the middle: Cultural co-creation, transformative partnerships, and ecosystems for public good

This paper explores quadruple helix ecosystems, cultural hubs, and living labs as models for transformative partnerships for higher education institutions (HEIs) as they move towards more open, co-operative, and co-creative research and innovation formats for public good. The transition of HEIs from mode 2 to mode 3 institutions prompts a cultural shift in HEIs that involves ongoing reimagination and reconfiguration. Here, the paper introduces and connects the quadruple helix ecosystem, living labs, and public good as a way for HEIs to revitalise themselves and their societal role. Following this, the model of cultural hubs is put forward as a way for partners to meet in the middle to co-create for, in, and with the world. Here, the Horizon Europe EPIC-WE research and innovation project serves as a guiding example with its specific emphasis on co-operative research-making, culture-making, and innovation-making between higher education institutions (HEI), creative industries (CI), cultural heritage institutions (CHI), and youth citizens (YC). Within EPIC-WE, cultural hubs are positioned as having the potential to act as cross-sector, transdisciplinary mediators that support the quadruple helix partners in moving towards transformative partnerships and empowered participation for public good(s) together.

Metagovernance of co‐creation in city–university partnerships: How to avoid being stuck in the middle?

AbstractThis article contributes to public administration research on collaborative governance in partnerships by exploring local efforts to metagovern a multi‐layered interorganizational collaboration between a city and a university. Hence, to further explore the prospect for developing city–university partnerships (CUP) into local platforms for the co‐creation of innovative public value outcomes, we ask: How can metagovernance contribute to aligning different actors and levels in a CUP aiming to enhance public value production? This question is answered based on a mixed‐method case study of cutting‐edge experiences from the City of Trondheim, Norway, where a transformative partnership was formed in 2017. The main finding is that the efforts to metagovern the CUP are deficient as they fail to prevent it from being stuck in the middle with a tactical level that is disconnected to strategic leadership and has limited operational impact. Some remedial strategies are offered, and the future of CUPs is discussed.

Community Engagement and Resilience in Indonesian Tourism: Lessons from the COVID-19 Crisis

This study investigates the dynamics of community engagement and resilience within Indonesia's tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. It adopts a qualitative methodology, with document analysis as the primary technique. Publicly accessible documents, including news reports, journal articles, and policy briefs, are compiled and systematically analyzed using content analysis. The study extracts key themes and strategies local communities use to sustain involvement and enhance resilience during the crisis. Data from multiple sources are triangulated to validate findings and provide a comprehensive perspective. The research uncovers innovative approaches such as digital transformation, collaborative networks, health protocols, and public-private partnerships employed by communities to adapt to pandemic challenges. It highlights efforts to engage communities, preserve culture, promote eco-tourism, and foster social entrepreneurship to aid tourism recovery. The study offers insights that can inform strategies for strengthening community participation, resilience, and sustainability in Indonesian and global tourism as the world emerges from the pandemic. Elucidating community engagement and resilience dynamics contributes critical perspectives to guide policymakers and practitioners in future-proofing tourism against crises.

Adaptive Strategies in Entrepreneurial Ventures: Navigating Uncertainty and Market Dynamics at MSMe

This study explores the critical role of adaptive strategies in maintaining the growth and competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in dynamic market environments. MSMEs significantly contribute to employment creation, innovation, and overall economic development but face unique challenges such as limited resources, market access, and vulnerability to market changes. Adaptive strategies like product diversification, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships have been found effective in enhancing MSME performance. Product diversification allows MSMEs to enter new market segments and reduce dependence on a single product line, while digital transformation improves operational efficiency and market reach. Strategic partnerships provide access to previously unavailable resources like technology and distribution networks. However, the implementation of these strategies is often hampered by financial constraints, lack of technological knowledge, and resistance to change. The study also highlights the importance of continuous learning and innovation for MSMEs to stay competitive. Continuous learning updates the knowledge and skills of MSMEs in line with industry developments, while innovation enables the development of new products or services that meet changing market needs. Case studies presented in the research demonstrate successful adoption of adaptive strategies by MSMEs to address challenges and leverage market opportunities. The findings offer practical insights for MSME owners, policymakers, and academics on the importance of adaptive strategies in navigating market uncertainties and achieving sustainable growth. The study also provides recommendations for supporting MSMEs in adopting adaptive strategies through initiatives such as training programs, digital transformation funding, and strategic partnership schemes.

Breaking ground: transformative partnerships for inclusive bean breeding in Zimbabwe

Common bean is often considered a woman’s crop because they play important roles from production to marketing. However, breeding programs often focus on farmers without adequate attention to the interconnectedness between gender and other socioeconomic variables and how they influence varietal and trait preferences of other value chain actors. This study analyzed gendered differences in bean production and trade, implications of socioeconomic conditions on bean production and marketing, and the role of partnerships in closing gender gaps in the bean value chain in Zimbabwe. The results obtained from the analysis of survey data collected from 131 farmers and 18 trades revealed beans as a dual-purpose crop for male and female farmers and traders. Varietal and trait preferences were the same for both male and female farmers and traders but were prioritized differently. While female farmers prioritized cooking time, men farmers prioritized biofortification and market traits. Whereas male traders equally preferred price, color, and appearance, female traders prioritized price over color and appearance. Poverty and marital statuses of respondents influenced the number of varieties preferred by male and female farmers. We found that the effectiveness of partnerships in closing gender gaps in marketing is variety specific. While having partners closed the gender gaps in the marketing of the NUA45 variety, such partnerships did not have the same effect on closing gender gaps in the marketing of Cherry, Gloria, and other varieties. The results show that considering socioeconomic characteristics of actors and partnerships can reduce gender disparities in the bean value chain. Therefore, breeding programs should recognize the interconnectedness between socioeconomic variables and gender when developing breeding products.

Shaping the future of green hydrogen: De Nora’s electrochemical technologies for fueling the energy transition

Abstract De Nora, an Italian multinational corporation listed on Euronext Milan, stands as a notable leader in sustainable technologies, especially within the growing field of green hydrogen. Over its century-long existence, the company has undergone distinct phases, culminating in a significant global role for a greener and more sustainable future. De Nora has substantiated its international presence with a robust network of 25 operational entities, five research centers, and a workforce exceeding 2000 employees. Originating in 1923 under Oronzio De Nora’s vision, the establishment of Oronzio De Nora Impianti Elettrochimici propelled the company into pioneering electrochemical advancements. Initially focusing on chlor-alkali technologies, De Nora’s strategic collaborations and acquisitions facilitated its evolution from a specialized enterprise to a versatile multinational entity. The contemporary phase of De Nora’s journey has been fortified by strategic partnerships, notably with Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and later Snam S.p.A. These alliances align with the need to face climate change and underscore De Nora’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As the transition to cleaner energy solutions accelerates worldwide, De Nora’s expertise in electrode technology and electrochemical processes positions it as a frontrunner in the green hydrogen revolution. Central to this evolution is the rise of green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis using renewable sources. De Nora’s research and development initiatives have yielded transformative outcomes, including energy-efficient electrodes and innovative electrode packages tailored for alkaline electrolysis. This focus on efficiency and cost reduction enhances De Nora’s potential to drive the widespread adoption of green hydrogen technology, amplifying its influence on the global energy landscape. De Nora’s impact extends to pivotal global initiatives, exemplified by its role as a strategic partner in NEOM project, an ambitious green hydrogen production facility in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, De Nora’s contributions resonate in Europe’s largest green hydrogen generation project through collaboration with H2 Green Steel in Sweden. Moreover, a crowning achievement in De Nora’s trajectory is the visionary ‘GigaFactory’, a model of innovation and sustainability made in partnership with Snam. Located near Milan, this pioneering manufacturing hub will embody principles of Industry 4.0, flexibility and automation practices. Supported by the European IPCEI Hydrogen program and the European Commission, this initiative represents a significant stride towards a renewable hydrogen value chain. In conclusion, De Nora’s journey encapsulates a century-long evolution from its electrochemical roots to a dynamic global company propelling sustainable technologies. Anchored by an unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality and bolstered by transformative partnerships, the company embodies innovation and collaborative engagement – essential elements for steering industries towards a sustainable future. In a world united by the necessity of decarbonization, De Nora stands steadfast, carving its role as a symbol of a sustainable future.

Transforming Biology Assessment through Written Feedback in Tanzania Secondary Education: Insights from Action Research

This study examined the impact of written feedback in Biology assessment in secondary schools, focusing on both student and teacher perspectives. Using action research with 80 students and their teacher, the study spans four months across three reflective cycles. Central findings reveal that descriptive, non-evaluative feedback empowers students. Feedback clarifies misunderstandings, offers specific improvement guidance, and makes "next steps" manageable. Further, descriptive feedback exposes students to broader problem-solving strategies. The study also shows that written feedback transcends mere evaluation. It becomes a reflective dialogue, with students actively using feedback to improve, and teachers acting as facilitators, guiding students towards better learning outcomes. Consequently, assessment shifts from simply judging to a transformative partnership. Both students and teachers contribute actively, aligning assessment with the ultimate goal of enhanced learning.

Harmony in Leadership

In an era where globalization is reshaping every facet of our lives, international cooperation holds the key to progress. The Special Province of Yogyakarta seized the moment to forge a transformative partnership with Japan's Kyoto Prefecture, inaugurated on 16th July 1985. This study delves into the tapestry of this 'sister province' cooperation, tracing its historical trajectory and discerning the elements behind its enduring success. Employing qualitative research involving stakeholders’ interviews from both regions, this study unveils compelling insights. This cooperation emerges as successful model of 'sister province' initiatives in Indonesia, aligning seamlessly with the government's benchmarks—ranging from mutual benefits and sustainable initiatives to positive community impacts. It is also found that leadership factors influence the success of this sister province cooperation. Both leaders can manage and encourage collective action to support this cooperation. Moreover, both regions boast a vibrant cultural heritage, sharing numerous similarities that energize and deepen the ties between these sister provinces. Yet, even amidst its achievements, challenges like budgetary constraints and manpower shortages cast shadows. This research, therefore, not only unveils the success story of the Yogyakarta-Kyoto cooperation, but also enriches scholarly discussion on the broader contributions of 'sister province' initiatives in Indonesia international cooperation landscape.

Linking digital transformation and strategic partnership to partnership performance: the mediating role of service innovation

This research is intended to investigate the effect of digital transformation, strategic partnerships, and service innovation on partnership performance. The population in this study is made up of 95 organizations that are partners of the Ministry of Finance in receiving state revenues. The research is explanatory research with a quantitative approach that collects data by distributing questionnaires to 95 managers from different organizations. The data was analyzed using structural equation modelling and partial least squares with SmartPLS software. The results show that digital transformation has an insignificant effect on partnership performance, while the other variables, namely strategic partnership and service innovation, have a significant effect on partnership performance. However, with the mediating variable service innovation, the effect of both digital transformation and strategic partnership becomes significant. The results of this study suggest that organizations must apply digital transformation to service innovation to obtain the desired partnership performance.

Measuring agroecology and its performance: An overview and critical discussion of existing tools and approaches

Agricultural and food systems (AFSs) are inherently multifunctional, representing a major driver for global crises but at the same time representing a huge potential for addressing multiple challenges simultaneously and contributing systemically to the achievement of sustainable development goals. Current performance metrics for AFS often fail to take this multifunctionality into account, focusing disproportionately on productivity and profitability, thereby excluding “externalities,” that is, key environmental and social values created by AFS. Agroecology is increasingly being recognized as a promising approach for AFS sustainability, due to its holistic and transformative nature. This growing interest in and commitment to agroecology by diverse actors implies a need for harmonized approaches to determine when a practice, project, investment, or policy can be considered agroecological, as well as approaches that ensure the multiple economic, environmental, and social values created by AFS are appropriately captured, hence creating a level playing field for comparing agroecology to alternatives. In this contribution to the special issue on agroecology, we present an overview of existing tools and frameworks for defining and measuring agroecology and its performance and critically discuss their limitations. We identify several deficiencies, including a shortage of approaches that allow for measuring agroecology and its performance on landscape and food system scale, and the use of standardized indicators for measuring agroecology integration, despite its context-specificity. These insights highlight the need for assessments focused on these overlooked scales and research on how best to reconcile the need for globally comparable approaches with assessing agroecology in a locally relevant manner. Lastly, we outline ongoing initiatives on behalf of the Agroecology Transformative Partnership that aim to overcome these shortcomings and offer a promising avenue for working toward harmonization of approaches. All readers are invited to contribute to these collaborative efforts in line with the agroecology principle of participation and co-creation of knowledge.

The Synergy of Business Resilience Systems and Artificial Intelligence Entanglement

This article delves into the transformative partnership between Business Resilience Systems (BRS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as the consequent entanglement, which enables enterprises to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on opportunities in today’s changing business world. Traditional continuity plans have given way to comprehensive, adaptive frameworks that include risk management, agility, and innovation. AI, on the other hand, is a powerful instrument that can analyze massive volumes of data, foresee disturbances, and enable real-time monitoring. The combination of BRS with AI creates a symbiotic connection that promotes continuous learning, rapid response, and task automation, resulting in a more resilient and agile system. However, issues such as data privacy, bias, and human-machine collaboration necessitate careful attention. Businesses may harness the potential of AI within BRS through appropriate integration to develop a culture of resilience and adaptation, assuring long-term success in the face of rapid chang

The project-partnership cycle: managing city-university partnerships for urban sustainability and resilience transformations

Cities across the globe are striving to produce viable solutions to pressing urban sustainability and resilience problems. Despite aspirations, municipal governments often need additional support in terms of knowledge, capacity, or resources to achieve transformations. Partnerships between cities and universities are one mechanism for co-producing knowledge and achieving sustained progress on complex challenges. When properly structured and effectively managed, city-university partnerships (CUPs) are purported to increase transformative capacity in city administrations and support actions which accelerate urban transformations; but these outcomes are not always achieved. As CUPs grow in numbers, there is a pressing need to identify which principles and practices facilitate transformation. Therefore, we used iterative reflective focus group sessions to develop in-depth case studies of five sustainability and resilience CUPs across three countries. The CUPs were cross-compared to explore the partnership dynamics and management practices that aid progress towards transformative goals. Observations were then related to transformative capacity typologies, and mapped to the newly described project-partnership cycle – which is useful for the management of transformative partnerships.

Multi-stakeholder partnerships for the SDGs: is the “next generation” fit for purpose?

Despite mixed results in the past, multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) are considered important governance instruments for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This perspective discusses the ‘next generation’ of MSPs, comparing them to previous generations, and whether they can contribute to transformative change. The discussion is based on a first analysis of nearly 500 MSPs collected in the Transformative Partnership 2030 project, comprising a subset of initiatives on the Partnership Platform maintained by the United Nations. Three observations are made. First, only a small number of the 7000 or so entries on the Partnership Platform are active MSPs. Second, international organizations and national government are the main partners in MSPs. The most common functions are related to soft governance such as knowledge dissemination and information exchange. Third, MSPs mainly connect environmental and social SDGs, notably between climate change, biodiversity, health and education. They are less focused on the economic goals, addressing the drivers of unsustainable behavior. The perspective recommends an update of the Partnership Platform, more research on how to harness potential synergies across SDGs in MSPs and more attention to meta-governance of MSPs, at the UN level.

Advancing an ethical imperative for collaborative approaches to evaluation with low incidence and underserved communities: Insights from a DeafBlind Support Services pilot program evaluation

This practice article advances an ethical imperative for guiding collaborative approaches to evaluation with low incidence and underserved communities. We describe our evaluation processes for building transformative partnerships during a DeafBlind Support Services pilot program evaluation in Western Canada using collaborative approaches to evaluation. This program was designed to enable adults living with dual sensory loss to experience self-determined activities in the community that enhance resilience and belonging. Key features involve specialised Support Service Providers who assist DeafBlind community members with accessing and participating in essential community services and social, vocational, educational, and recreational activities. In presenting our co-generated evaluation insights, we advance an ethical imperative describing philosophical foundations, pragmatic actions, and political leadership for implementation of collaborative approaches to evaluation with a low incidence and underserved community.

Driver's seat: A qualitative study of transformational student partnerships in SoTL

This qualitative study is based on a series of interviews conducted with students (n=6) who participated in the inaugural cohort of a year-long students-as-partners program called CTL Scholars. As one of the first students-as-partners programs implemented at this large, dispersed, public research institution, students of diverse majors and research perceptions identified three common themes from their participation: motivation, agency, and partnerships. Our findings suggest that students-as-partners programs such as CTL Scholars can establish students as agents of their own learning, promote equitable relationships between students and faculty members, and potentially contribute to both teaching transformation and research productivity.

Data-Driven Identification of Unusual Prescribing Behavior: Analysis and Use of an Interactive Data Tool Using 6 Months of Primary Care Data From 6500 Practices in England

Approaches to addressing unwarranted variation in health care service delivery have traditionally relied on the prospective identification of activities and outcomes, based on a hypothesis, with subsequent reporting against defined measures. Practice-level prescribing data in England are made publicly available by the National Health Service (NHS) Business Services Authority for all general practices. There is an opportunity to adopt a more data-driven approach to capture variability and identify outliers by applying hypothesis-free, data-driven algorithms to national data sets. This study aimed to develop and apply a hypothesis-free algorithm to identify unusual prescribing behavior in primary care data at multiple administrative levels in the NHS in England and to visualize these results using organization-specific interactive dashboards, thereby demonstrating proof of concept for prioritization approaches. Here we report a new data-driven approach to quantify how "unusual" the prescribing rates of a particular chemical within an organization are as compared to peer organizations, over a period of 6 months (June-December 2021). This is followed by a ranking to identify which chemicals are the most notable outliers in each organization. These outlying chemicals are calculated for all practices, primary care networks, clinical commissioning groups, and sustainability and transformation partnerships in England. Our results are presented via organization-specific interactive dashboards, the iterative development of which has been informed by user feedback. We developed interactive dashboards for every practice (n=6476) in England, highlighting the unusual prescribing of 2369 chemicals (dashboards are also provided for 42 sustainability and transformation partnerships, 106 clinical commissioning groups, and 1257 primary care networks). User feedback and internal review of case studies demonstrate that our methodology identifies prescribing behavior that sometimes warrants further investigation or is a known issue. Data-driven approaches have the potential to overcome existing biases with regard to the planning and execution of audits, interventions, and policy making within NHS organizations, potentially revealing new targets for improved health care service delivery. We present our dashboards as a proof of concept for generating candidate lists to aid expert users in their interpretation of prescribing data and prioritize further investigations and qualitative research in terms of potential targets for improved performance.

Organizations’ Perception of Service-Learning Study Abroad Programs and Transformational Partnerships

Organizations’ Perception of Service-Learning Study Abroad Programs and Transformational Partnerships

Building transformative city-university sustainability partnerships: the Audacious Partnerships Process

City governments and urban universities are well-positioned to play critical roles in advancing urban sustainability transformations. However, in partnering, cities and universities often focus efforts on discrete sustainability-related projects, neglecting the development of long-term relationships and deep, inter-organizational ties that can allow for collaboration on lasting and transformational change. Yet, at both cities and universities there are often individuals who are deeply interested in developing better partnerships that contribute to the sustainability and livability of their communities. This research develops and tests an evidence-based and facilitated process to guide sustainability researchers and municipal practitioners in the development of transformational City-university partnerships for sustainability. The Audacious Partnerships Process was tested by four City-university partnerships including Arizona State University and the City of Tempe, Dublin City University and the City of Dublin, King’s College London and the City of Westminster and the National Autonomous University of Mexico and Mexico City. The Audacious Partnerships Process as well as results from post-surveys and interviews following implementation are elaborated. We conclude with key lessons for modifying and implementing the process to contribute to transformative partnership development.

Rethinking Australia’s role in international co-operation for the Sustainable Development Goals: Towards transformative horizontal partnerships through triangular co-operation

Despite progress in various areas of development, rates of food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty remain high. Additional environmental pressures such as climate change, loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation continue to disproportionately impact those who are most vulnerable. Inclusive models of co-operative action, as emphasised in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, are valued for their potential to solve development challenges, promote sustainable development outcomes, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. International co-operation policy plays a crucial role in shaping how these international partnerships play out in practice. Over the several decades, the international development co-operation landscape has been shifting with a push for more ‘horizontal’ partnerships. Triangular co-operation is a potential model of partnership that embraces inclusivity and horizontality and is seen as a means to achieve the sustainable development agenda. In Australia, the election of a new federal government in May 2022 brought with it a renewed commitment to official development assistance and development co-operation policy and partnerships. The aim of this commentary is to take stock, pause, and reflect on how Australia currently ‘does development partnerships’ as well as looking to the future and the opportunities for change.