Collaboration Models in a New Era: An Analytical Framework and Implications for Vietnam

Digital transformation, the green transition, and value chain restructuring are increasing interdependence among firms, research institutions, government agencies, and development partners. In this context, expanding partnerships requires corresponding innovations in the mechanisms governing collaboration. This article selectively synthesizes research on the relational view, absorptive capacity, the Triple Helix, open innovation, ecosystems, and collaborative governance to develop a two-dimensional analytical framework comprising collaboration structures and operational mechanisms. Building on a classification of six collaboration models, the article proposes eight implementation mechanisms tailored to resource characteristics, outcome measurability, and the degree of uncertainty associated with each problem. The central argument is that collaboration effectiveness depends on resource complementarity, absorptive capacity, coordination quality, and alignment among contributions, decision rights, responsibilities, and benefits. The article presents managerial implications and research hypotheses for Vietnam. As a conceptual study, its propositions require empirical testing.