Innovation at the crossroads: Partnering in the service delivery ecosystem to foster innovation

The manner in which corporations relate to one another must change to address new competitive forces. Due to the complex nature of corporate innovation and supplier/customer relations, how companies deal with service providers and how service providers view customers must evolve as well. This paper traces the corporate relationship from a buyer/seller association to a strategic partnership and ultimately to becoming an alliance partner. An alliance partnership allows two companies to mutually benefit one another by providing each other with more than just services or revenue, but innovation as well as support and growth in all aspects of the association. In the process of going from a traditional supplier to an alliance partner, the specifics of the innovation framework provide additional value so that both partners in any relationship may move forward with new ideas and strategies for success. Partnerships offer a rich environment for technological innovation that can add significant value for all involved; however, new governance and organisational models are needed to create an environment where innovation can prosper. Innovation within the partnership needs to be fostered by the use of information technology as a key element of success. With a new model for partnership, an effective governance model and the proper technologies, strategic and alliance partners can achieve the absolute potential value that the relationship can yield.