Knowledge bases of relational capabilities and their relation to the governance of inter-organizational collaboration.

The past decade has witnessed a marked shift in the foci of those who study collaboration away from a very heavy emphasis on issues related to structures and governance mechanisms of inter-organizational relations; towards an improved understanding of the relationships that are manifested in joint ventures, strategic alliances, long-term buyer-supplier relationships, public partnerships, networks, etc One of their key managerial and organizational challenges in managing these collaborative relationships is the identification of the knowledge bases essential to the creation of the capabilities that will be required of individuals and organizations if they are to succeed in establishing and maintaining those relationships. In this paper we offer a model and a framework that provides a basis for dealing with these issues.