Co-evolution of goals and partnerships in collaborative innovation processes.

This paper treats handling uncertainty in goal setting in collaborative innovation. In successive case studies, we investigate unfolding network dynamics in social and technical innovation. From process analysis of sustainable disaster management, we zoom in to beginnings of innovation processes in automotive industry. Finding similar pattern allows insights into initial collaboration dynamics. A switch away from traditional goal targeting seems necessary for effective management of uncertainty. The studies implicate that in successful mass collaboration (a) ultimate goal setting does not happen before, but becomes a recurring task along the process (b) goal finding rather means to develop a shared vision from the start (c) matchmaking is a decisive process in itself that overlaps partly with collaboration but starts before and probably outside. Co-evolution of goals and partnerships means management has to back out of strict control in mass innovation and process dynamics need careful attention from the beginning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]