At the OTT Conference 2025, a session titled “Change Hubs: Beyond the Difference” brought together think tank representatives from various regions to discuss collaboration. Participants hailed from Latin America, Southern Africa, East Africa, West Africa, Europe, South Asia, and North America. The discussion aimed to explore successful collaboration strategies and address common challenges.
The session was structured to encourage open dialogue. Attendees sat in a circle with a world map at the center and no formal presentations were given. Facilitators emphasized that all necessary knowledge was present in the room. This approach allowed for an exploration of trust, values, risk, and navigating partnerships within complex contexts.
Participants engaged in paired conversations about recent achievements, challenges faced, and sources of hope. One attendee noted that connection seemed easier than collaboration. While connection is often immediate and organic, collaboration involves managing power dynamics and institutional constraints.
A key question posed was whether collaboration is more difficult now than before. Responses varied based on regional context and existing trust levels. Political instability and resource limitations were identified as factors making collaboration harder.
For those experiencing failed collaborations, risks felt personal and raised questions about professional identity and boundaries. Leaders who focused on understanding their context and building trust found ways to advance despite obstacles.
Several tensions emerged during discussions:
– Understanding values and strengths
– Adapting models for effective collaboration
– Building necessary trust
– Collaborating with competitors
– Evaluating the effectiveness of collaborations
Intentionality, clarity on expectations, investing in trust through listening and follow-through were highlighted as essential for progress. Participants acknowledged not all collaborations are beneficial; sometimes competition or ending partnerships is appropriate.
One participant remarked: “The tougher it becomes, the clearer it becomes: we need collaboration.” This sentiment underscored the session’s focus on acknowledging the complexities of collaboration while emphasizing its necessity.
While definitive answers were not provided, the session offered participants a space for reflection on their work’s complexity—a form of collaboration itself.
(This originally appeared on On Think Tanks here.)
