Governing IORs for Innovation in Times of Disruption

This book investigated the effective management of inter-organizational relationships (IORs) in innovation contexts characterized by high uncertainty. Two research questions are addressed: (1) How do relational and contractual mechanisms vary in value based on contextual factors? and (2) How do firms make effective governance decisions for their IORs from a dynamic perspective? Theoretical implications underscore the importance of considering the relational context and multiple layers of analysis to understand the effectiveness of governance mechanisms. Designing effective governance strategies in turbulent and uncertain environments necessitates the development of specific organizational capabilities for adapting to emerging challenges. Managerial implications emphasize the need for firms to cultivate relational capabilities and acquire competencies to navigate trade-offs and tensions across different levels of analysis. The case of the Italian Automotive Supply-chain allowed to highlight the significance of collaboration in the face of technological transformations.