Get big enough (but not too big) to source innovation

To sustain strong growth in innovation-driven industries, companies increasingly have to complement their internal efforts with external opportunities. For many firms, partnering can provide quick-, flexible, affordable access to new capabilities, that represent a better strategic option than mergers and acquisitions. Likewise, collaborative efforts can hell) companies get the most value from internal resources that no longer support their plans. The key to successful alliances is consistently effective implementation that enables partners to achieve their respective goals. So, companies that pursue partnering-oriented strategies must establish and continually refine the organizational structures, business processes and talent pool required to "find, get and create value from" external relationships.