Multi-Stakeholder Collaborations

The capabilities

Multi-stakeholder initiatives bundle know-how and implementation skills of different stakeholders on complex issues and problem definitions that cannot be answered by just one group of stakeholders alone.

The challenge – organising & managing

The answers to these questions will help you navigate through MSI- complexities: When does a multi-stakeholder collaboration make sense? Which stakeholders are needed to guarantee the success of a particular issue? How can stakeholders collaborate without formal authorities super-imposing each other? How are differing objectives and problem perceptions of the different actors addressed? How can consensus-based decisions incorporate both collaboration and individual benefits?

The consulting offering

We will help you embrace multi-stakeholder projects as a continuous learning process aswell as an opportunity to establish collective leadership between the different players. Our consulting work is based on four essential elements, required for a successful multi-stakeholder initiative. For each of these areas, there are a different set of collaboration tools and methods available that can be used and that are appropriate for the situation and the participants.

4-step consulting process

Step 1 Initiate, explore & engage

We will assist you in identifying, addressing and integrating stakeholder partners, design problem scenarios, objectives and the emphasis placed on them.

Step 2 Establish & formalize

We create a trust-based space for dialogue, so that participants can interact with each other openly and on the basis of jointly developed, shared rules and agreements. This encourages sharing different points of view, objectives and forming a mutual commitment. Resource availability and power differences are clarified and structures are planned for the implementation process. A first set of evaluation criteria and an exit strategy are brainstormed collectively and a process of adapted planning and formalising will be introduced.

Step 3 Collaborative implementation & evaluation

To implement the activities, we will build a process management and monitoring system, which is implemented in a coordinated way and allows checks to be made – with room for flexible adaptation of policies and practices. We will focus on ensuring that communication and decision-making processes between the different partners remain transparent. We will also address social tensions due to conflicting interests and will help negotiate solutions, develop learning mechanisms for regular reflection and facilitate review meetings with relevant stakeholders.

Step 4 Develop, institutionalise, complete

Depending on the objective and purpose of the stakeholder initiative we will support you in establishing learning systems and management structures inside the institutions so that the process outcomes can continue successfully. We will ensure that we develop the cross-linking of stakeholder objectives and partner interests, when the project takes on a new dimension.

Examples of collaboration tools & methods

Dialogue conferences

Cross-organisational projects with many players from different industries require an independent system, which is easier to achieve when all parties work together and collaborate. Dialogue forums and conferences create a collective base for synergy.

Simulation Yachtclub

This simulation facilitates an understanding of dynamics, role conflicts, power constellations, dilemmas and behaviours in situations of multi-stakeholder collaboration and provides strategies for solutions.