How collaborative practices influence a global agricultural value chains' capability to co-innovate

This study used an interpretative qualitative multi-case study approach. Three frameworks were chosen as the underpinning theoretical frameworks due to their emerging relevance: 1) Hansen and Nohria's (2004) Four Barriers to Collaborative Advantage, to examine individual engagement; 2) Mohr and Nevin's (1990) Communication Strategies to investigate communication practices; and 3) MacCormack et al's (2007) Four Pillars of Collaborative Capabilities as a lens for chain architecture. These frameworks were also chosen explicitly for how they fit together for the purpose of addressing the research question. Participants were purposively sampled from three global agri-chains. Data were collected by interviewing 29 employees about their co-innovation projects and practices using convergent interviewing. Audio recordings were transcribed in N-Vivo for categorisation, coding and unitisation. Excel matrices and tables were used to draw conclusions and theory development. The collaborative chain participants showed greater willingness to collaborate and were better able to transfer tacit knowledge than the trading chain. The communication styles reported to be utilised in successful co-innovation projects were bi-directional, informal, indirect, transparent and face to face. None of the chains significantly organised their people, processes or platforms for collaboration however, the collaborative chains did take a programmed approach to co-innovation. The most significant contribution of this thesis is the proposed integrated model on how to establish co-innovation facilitators in global agri-chains. It is suggested that the collaborative practices influence co-innovation through three broad co-innovation facilitators: 1) strengthening chain relationships; 2) improving information exchange; and 3) creating a coinnovative environment.