Accelerating progress through partnering and alliancing

Abstract

In this chapter we examine the nature of alliances in their various forms. There is no doubt that alliances have become important to all sizeable organizations. But they are also important to smaller and medium-sized companies (SMEs), as these firms offer the large organization access to entrepreneurship and exciting new technological developments, and the SME can in turn gain through access to the expertise which resides in the large firm. In the knowledge economy, one of the key reasons for alliancing is to access capabilities not available or readily accessible within the organization itself. This can compensate for the lack of capability within the organization; it can lead to greater leverage of existing capabilities, a greater degree of control over key technologies, and a spreading of risk in development. But learning is a key motivator for firms.