Abstract from Draft Final Report

We have completed a draft final report on our reseach, and submitted it to our supervisors.

Abstracts have been submitted to three conferences, and already accepted at two.

We will continue to update this site with news and extracts from the final thesis, and welcome contact from anyone interested in the outcomes of our research.

We are especially interested in anyone who has advice or ideas on how the work we have done may be applied in practical contexts, as we are all interested in continuing to work on this topic!

Abstract:

Today, global socio-ecological problems are too complex and urgent for isolated actions and cross-sector collaboration is increasingly required to generate transformational change towards sustainability. Partnerships between businesses and civil society organisations (CSOs) in particular have the potential to achieve change at the depth and scale required. However, the ‘backcasting’ approach used in this study highlights a gap between current approaches and what partnerships might look like in a sustainable future. Research draws on literature, eighteen semi-structured interviews and an action research project with Interface Europe. Results indicate that: 1) in the current paradigm shift collaboration provides a competitive advantage; 2) individual, organisational and societal benefits of partnering are significant; 3) understanding the art and science of partnering is needed to make them work 4) organisational development and strategy affect partnership type and outcomes; 5) CSR efforts initiate cross-sector partnerships, but are responsive and fall short of being strategic because; 6) articulation of visions for a sustainable future is rare and; 7) most partnerships are not aligned with core business strategies. In conclusion, dialogue across all sectors is advocated to co-create a sustainable future and The Natural Step Framework is recommended to align business planning and partnership strategies with sustainability.

Keywords:

Partnerships, Cross-sector Collaboration, Strategic Sustainable Development, Civil Society Organisations, Corporate Social Responsibility, backcasting.