Methods for distributing results in exploratory partnerships

International audienceDevelopment partnerships enable companies to develop new products and/or processes while sharing costs. In addition to uncertainty and increased risk, these partnerships necessitate adapted management techniques. In particular, partners must determine the distribution of results and methods of distribution. This article describes different results in development partnerships according to their methods of distribution. A qualitative study of three exploratory projects, developed in the MINATEC IDEAs Laboratory®, offers a better understanding of the chosen methods and influential factors. Before the collaboration, partners preferred egalitarian divisions, because it was difficult to identify the resources and skills necessary in the project. However, this method of distribution provided less incentive than an equitable distribution. The structural dimensions (number of partners, degree of partnership maturity, similarity with core professions) and partners' behaviours (level of implication, interest in the project) also influenced the method of distribution implemented