Fixes that fail in collaborative innovation: The dynamics of conflict, decision-making speed and time pressure
Awan,Attabik Walrave,Bob de Gooyert,Vincent Bombaerts,Gunter Talmar,Madis
Awan,Attabik
Walrave,Bob
de Gooyert,Vincent
Bombaerts,Gunter
Talmar,Madis
Abstract
Collaborative innovation is increasingly employed to address grand challenges, including regional energy transition. However, the approach remains fraught with challenges. Bringing diverse stakeholders together in iterative, time-intensive innovation processes often triggers conflicts, requiring trade-offs between slower, participatory decision-making and faster, efficiency-driven approaches to meet deadlines. Although prior research has identified key drivers, barriers and best practices, the inherent dynamic complexity of collaborative innovation remains underexplored. Traditional linear models, which assume unidirectional causality among aspects like conflict, decision-making speed and time pressure, overlook their non-linear interactions, necessitating a systems perspective.Drawing on rich qualitative data from a longitudinal case study, we address this gap by constructing a causal loop model to analyse the behavioural patterns and processual dynamics of a collaborative innovation initiative for the Regional Energy Transition. Our model captures how the interplay between conflict, decision speed and time pressure can both facilitate and frustrate collaborative innovation. For example, reducing participation and avoiding conflicts may initially expedite decisions but inadvertently escalate conflicts. Similarly, deadlines that foster deliberation and efficiency can result in premature consensus. We conceptualize this sustained tension between participation and efficiency - manifesting as sequences of 'fixes-that-fail' - as a balancing act rather than an either-or dilemma. By integrating insights from planning and organizational theories, our study advances the understanding of collaborative innovation and offers practical guidance for stakeholders navigating its complexities.
Description
Date
2025-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Keywords
Collaborative decision-making, Collaborative innovation, Conflict, Project management, Regional energy transition, System dynamics, Time pressure, SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals, SDG 13 - Climate Action, SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Citation
Awan, A, Walrave, B, de Gooyert, V, Bombaerts, G & Talmar, M 2025, 'Fixes that fail in collaborative innovation : The dynamics of conflict, decision-making speed and time pressure', Organization Studies, vol. 46, no. 10, pp. 1379-1408. https://doi.org/10.1177/01708406251349320
License
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess