Strategic Alliances for Environmental Adaptation: The Support of Virtual Networks

Abstract

Although the literature on strategic alliances defines the role of information technologies (IT) as important, any reasoned explanation of it is still anecdotic. This study focuses on a particular type of technological relationship between firms and institutions for developing environmental management innovations through virtual cooperation. It goes into particular depth on the economic and strategic reasons explaining the formation of alliances based on IT. The development of environmental adaptation strategies can be effectively supported with public initiatives for providing advanced, knowledge-intensive services through the creation of technological extension infrastructures. The market’s failure to provide useful public goods for improving environmental development may be corrected effectively using virtual inter-organizational networks facilitating collective learning. This study presents an example of a regional initiative for a cooperative platform based on IT that can result in the assimilation of technological and organizational competences in environmental management by firms located in the area.