Title: The role of an intermediator organisation in collaboration: how can an intermediator enhance value co-creation?

Authors: Jussi Myllärniemi; Vilma Vuori; Nina Helander; Ilona Ilvonen; Jussi Okkonen; Pasi Virtanen

Addresses: Department of Business Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland ' Department of Business Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland ' Department of Business Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland ' Department of Business Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland ' Department of Business Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland ' Department of Business Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland

Abstract: Collaboration brings synergy to organisations and leads towards superior value co-creation. However, successful collaboration and value co-creation face several challenges. We state that these challenges can be addressed with the help of an intermediator organisation (IO), and that it subsequently has a positive effect on value co-creation. This paper analyses the IO's part in value co-creation in a collaboration network. Based on theoretical and empirical research the activities and consequent value creating benefits an IO brings to collaboration depend on the role or roles it plays in the network. According to our findings an IO can act as a creator, coordinator, facilitator, node and a resource. An IO facilitates the creation, development and maintaining of network relationships during collaboration. The value an IO creates is mainly indirect and intangible by nature and thus difficult to measure.

Keywords: collaboration; value co-creation; intermediator organisations; capabilities; business relationships; relationship parties; business networks; value networks; network members; intermediaries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2013.053346

International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies, 2013 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.3 - 21

Published online: 02 Jul 2014 *

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