Opinion

The Place of Collaboration as the New Competition: Part 1

Explore how collaboration is reshaping competition in business. Case studies from Harvard Business Review and examples from Nigeria demonstrate how small businesses and startups can leverage partnerships for growth and success.

ProbitasReport

Jan 16, 2025 - 12:51

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The Place of Collaboration as the New Competition: Part 1

Collaboration As The New Competition In Pictorial Form

By Dr Ohio O. Ojeagbase

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the traditional view of competition is being redefined. Once considered a zero-sum game, where one’s gain was another’s loss, the modern marketplace increasingly rewards collaboration—a strategy that fosters shared growth and mutual success. This shift is not just theoretical; it is backed by compelling case studies and real-world applications, offering invaluable lessons for small businesses and new entrants seeking to navigate their industries effectively.

"If you run solo, you will grow so low" ... Dr Kreeno

Collaboration can be a competitive advantage for businesses in Nigeria, and can lead to improved economic development and shared resources. Some examples of collaboration in Nigeria include

Insights from Harvard Business Review: The Power of Ecosystems

Harvard Business Review (HBR) has extensively documented the emergence of collaborative ecosystems as a strategic advantage. One notable example is the partnership between Apple and its network of developers. Rather than viewing third-party developers as competitors, Apple cultivated an ecosystem through its App Store. This collaboration unlocked exponential growth, benefiting both Apple and the developers by driving innovation and increasing user engagement. Small businesses can learn from this model by identifying potential partners whose strengths complement their own.

Similarly, HBR highlights the case of Procter & Gamble’s Connect + Develop initiative, which redefined innovation for the multinational consumer goods corporation. By collaborating with external innovators, P&G increased its R&D productivity by nearly 60%. For small businesses, this approach underscores the importance of leveraging external expertise and resources to overcome internal limitations.

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Lessons for Nigerian Small Businesses

In Nigeria, collaboration is proving to be an equally powerful strategy. Take the example of Flutterwave, a fintech startup that partnered with major players like Visa and Alipay. By leveraging these partnerships, Flutterwave rapidly expanded its reach and functionality, positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s payments landscape. Small businesses can emulate this by forming alliances with larger, established firms to gain credibility and access to new markets.

Another noteworthy example is the “Farmcrowdy” model, which connects small-scale farmers with investors and service providers. This platform not only democratized agricultural funding but also provided farmers with access to resources and knowledge, thereby increasing productivity and profitability. Such collaborative frameworks highlight how small businesses can harness the power of technology and partnerships to scale operations.

The Path Forward

For small businesses and new entrants, collaboration is not just an option—it’s a necessity. By forming strategic alliances, pooling resources, and sharing expertise, businesses can navigate challenges more effectively and seize opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. In the next post, we will delve deeper into actionable strategies and further case studies that showcase how collaboration can transform industries and redefine competition.

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