Collaboration is important for organisations. It requires effective engagement with various stakeholders and other organisations. This is not only crucial for their survival but also essential for addressing significant societal challenges and achieving sustainable transformation across sectors. The importance of collaboration-oriented partnerships is encapsulated in the 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the UN. This goal focuses on the global need to work together in areas such as financing, technology, capacity building, knowledge, and expertise to achieve the other 16 SDGs.

Our core principles

The research group Collaborative Innovation and Entrepreneurship is guided by five principles. The research projects and educational programmes we develop and implement with our partners reflect these principles.

1. Place climate and social justice at the heart of business

We believe that production and consumption systems must be in harmony with people and the planet. Companies should transition to circular and regenerative business strategies and models that minimise waste and ensure sustainable sourcing of new materials.

2. Build knowledge about more effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders
We believe that cooperative organisations that are inclusive and open to multiple stakeholders are essential for establishing business practices that provide social justice and climate justice.

3. Focus on a context close to nature
Our research focuses on industries that use raw materials such as tea, coffee, cocoa, cotton, and wood, as well as service sectors like tourism. We investigate how tourism can harm natural and urban environments and how responsible tourism can help mitigate these effects.

4. Engage in practice through participatory research
Through intensive collaboration with our partners, we create knowledge that is more relevant and impactful for professionals, academics, students, and policymakers.

5. Empower a new generation of 'economic rebels'
We provide education that teaches business leaders to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, challenge existing structures and norms, and find innovative ways to conduct business that consider ecological and social sustainability.

Three themes

The research group addresses several research themes:

1. Open innovation
   Open innovation is a model for bringing together various stakeholders and organisations from different sectors and countries to solve significant problems.
    
2. Cooperative entrepreneurship
   Cooperative entrepreneurship revolves around collaboration, where entrepreneurs within an organisation share risks and responsibilities.
    
3. Multilateral or bilateral relationships between organisations
   Multilateral or bilateral collaborations combine specialised knowledge to develop added value and innovative solutions. However, to keep organisations engaged and committed, the jointly created value must be shared with everyone involved in the collaboration.