Enhancing resilience and embracing antifragility: the role of innovation in collaborative networks

What is it about?

We delve into the ever-changing landscape of collaborative networks (CNs) in the midst of rapid technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and unprecedented disruptions. Our aim is to understand how CNs can bolster their resilience and even embrace antifragility in the face of contemporary challenges. We adopted a comprehensive approach, combining qualitative interviews with European industry experts and quantitative surveys of CN members in the Information Technology and Software Development sectors. Through thematic analysis of qualitative data and correlation and regression analyses of quantitative data, we uncovered some intriguing patterns and relationships. Our findings shed light on resilience as a dynamic process that involves the ability to absorb, adapt, and transform in response to disruptions. We introduce the novel concept of antifragility in CNs, underscoring their capacity not just to withstand shocks but to thrive in their aftermath. Our results demonstrate strong positive connections between resilience and antifragility and various factors such as innovation capacity, governance structures, trust, reciprocity, and diversity of thought. Furthermore, we emphasize the pivotal role of innovation in enhancing resilience and cultivating a culture of continual learning and adaptation within CNs. This research breaks new ground by introducing the concept of antifragility to the realm of CNs and reevaluating the roles of resilience and innovation, expanding the theoretical framework. It also provides valuable practical insights for CN leaders and policymakers navigating the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.

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