Mike Hoogveld
Co-founder nlmtd
Mike Hoogveld is a partner at nlmtd and an expert in future-proof organizing. With over twenty years of experience as a manager and advisor in a wide variety of organizations both domestically and internationally, Mike is also a startup mentor, conducts scientific research at Nyenrode, and teaches at various universities and business schools.
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Collaborating on transitions: Collaborating quickly and smartly in ecosystems
Ecosystems are important means of achieving the transitions needed for a future-proof planet and society. Unfortunately, they also appear to be a complicated form of cooperation. Why is this actually the case, and how can you respond to this?
Change does not happen in a vacuum
Take the energy or food transition: regardless of all the technical content of these complex issues, organizations simply cannot solve them as if they were on an island. This will necessarily require all stakeholders in the relevant chain to work together in an ecosystem. For example, by looking holistically at the value chain that produces the energy or food, including all stakeholders that influence or are affected by this chain.
Streamlining complexities
However, an important characteristic of an ecosystem is that there is no central leadership, similar to a school of fish or a flock of birds. It is a set of parts that are interconnected and constantly influence each other, with interests that are not always congruent. As a result, there is a risk that the various parties will sit and wait for each other, creating an impasse. Or that out of self-interest short-term choices are made that are destructive to the higher goal. This is a classic example of the ‘prisoner’s dilemma derived from ‘game theory’ originated by John von Neumann. The thought experiment shows why rational individuals sometimes fail to cooperate, even when it is benefiical to do so. It is therefore importantrch to formulate the common goal crystal clear at the outset and explicitly check whether everyone is prepared to commit to it.
We add to it
Another difficulty is in quantity. The law of Metcalfe argues that the value of such a transition network increases exponentially with each member you add. But with that, the number of interrelationships also explodes (according to the formula R = L(L-1)/2), as if you were using a spirograph are drawing: at 14 members, there are already 91. This is a great example of how quickly social networks can become complex and extensive.
The bias and the brain
Due to various biases in our brain, such a large number is very difficult to deal with effectively. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, 8 people is the ideal for a group to work well together. But usually the size of an ecosystem is larger, so progress stagnates. Then the solution lies in working in a multidisciplinary team-of-teams. Here, each team focuses on a specific theme, in which it also receives a mandate based on trust. And in short iterations, the first among equals, or “primus inter pares,” from each team meet for portfolio coordination. And to learn from the progress, so that adjustments can be made immediately.
This creates a fast and agile armada that can win the battle for the future.
Want to Know more about Successfully Realizing Transitions? Contact Us.
Building a sustainable future together
The possibilities to create a better future for organizations, society, and our planet are endless. The future begins today, and that’s why we get to work immediately. It’s not for nothing that we call ourselves nlmtd, – without vowels or capital letters, because we think and act without limitations.
With a team of more than 90 experts, with experience at leading strategy consulting firms, innovative companies, and startups, we help organizations with strategy, innovation and transformation. From vision to execution, worldwide and with measurable impact.
Mike Hoogveld
Mike Hoogveld
