SmartNet collaboration model - a framework for collaborative development and production

Abstract

Cross-sectoral collaboration of organisations is a crucial factor in the development and production of knowledge-intensive products, processes and services. Within dynamic, loosely coupled networks, problem-oriented and flexible combination of core competences facilitates the conjoint exploration and exploitation of knowledge to secure and to increase competitiveness in turbulent markets. While strategic aspects of cross-sectoral collaboration in such networks are extensively covered in research, implementation in industrial practice is often hampered by lack of methodological support to systematically transform strategic considerations into operative work. This paper presents a framework for collaborative development and production, consisting of a structural model and a process model which will support the operative work in networks all along the product and/or service life-cycle. The applicability of the framework is shown in examples from the European research projects AVALON and SmartNets.