The SustainAbility Institute's report "Leveraging the power of collaborations" was developed with support from the members of the SustainAbility Transparency Network, a group of global companies convened by the Institute. The network explores how transparency, stakeholder engagement and integration accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future. A key benefit of the network is access to the Institute's annual research output, which focuses on topics and challenges of relevance in members’ roles as sustainability practitioners. Members contributed to the research by selecting the topic and by sharing ideas through interviews, focus groups and ongoing discussions.
The report explores the dynamics driving the evolution of company collaboration in and across sectors and highlights some of the innovative models that have developed. Several factors are driving the evolution of collaborations:
As a result, corporate engagement in multi-stakeholder initiatives is shifting:
The report looks at how to be an effective collaborator and develop a high-level strategy. It also includes a framework and best practice guideline for managing collaborations through four major lifecycle milestones: evaluate, structure, manage and conclude. Our report identifies several trends that will shape collaboration over the next 3–5 years:
The environmental and social challenges we face need more innovative, sophisticated and collaborative approaches and solutions. There is much to be optimistic about. The private sector is becoming more active in developing collaborations, and companies are finding new ways to drive change through innovative models and funding structures.
Head of Networks & Engagement, The SustainAbility Institute by ERM