Making it work – the experts

THREE'S A CROWD

Triangular collaboration is increasingly common, particularly in the tech sector (Microsoft-Intel-Cisco, for example). But a three-way partnership brings an exponential increase in potential headaches, according to Professor of Entrepreneurship Jason Davis.

LAST RESORT COLLABORATION

Canadian corporate collaboration expert Ann Svendsen warns against the "collaboration when all else fails" approach. Companies unable to solve a problem unilaterally sometimes reluctantly seek a partner, she says, but that's a bad start.

SWEAT THE BIG STUFF

A long-term view, rather than a focus on short term objectives, problems or failures can often make the difference between sturdy and shaky collaborations, Davis says – and that may make alll the difference when it comes to innovation.

ROTATE THE LEADERSHIP

Davis's study found successful collaborations rotated control of the project back and forth between the two partners. Rotating the leadership worked better than either one company dominating throughout, or a consensus-based approach.