Consequently, the number of such alliances, of different types and sizes, has grown dramatically in the past decade and their nature has evolved from simple joint-ventures to more complex relationships. SAs are therefore critical for the continued innovation, competitiveness, and overall success of all enterprises. In fact strategic alliances are becoming one of the main drivers of globalisation. An increasing number of global enterprises recognise that strategic alliances can provide growth at a fraction of the cost of going it alone.
Alliances also provide a way for organisations to leverage resources.
However, while presenting an attractive route to many organisations, strategic alliances have proven very complex and challenging to develop, nurture and successfully manage.