The Status of Collaboration and the Role of Innovation: Supporting Networks in Canadian Industry

Collaboration and the use of innovation-supporting networks (ISNs) are essential processes in enhancing the extent and effectiveness of innovation efforts in companies. In 2014, an online questionnaire on corporate collaboration and the role of innovation-supporting networks was sent to the senior managers of Canadian companies. The survey targeted firms of all sizes, in all sectors of industry, and in all provinces and territories. Over 500 companies responded. This report addresses two important aspects of innovation management: company-to-company collaboration, and the role of ISNs. It sheds light on why Canadian companies collaborate, the prevalent areas of collaboration, the location of their collaboration partners, the preferred governance principles, and the impact of collaboration on corporate performance. The report presents data on the types of ISNs in which Canadian companies participate, the partners they desire in such networks, the preferred initiators and governance of ISNs, and the benefits they reap from such networks.