## 4 Analysis of the Industry from a Collaborative Perspective
### Characteristics and Types of Collaboration  
The definition, components, and success factors of collaboration are further examined through a literature review on the collaboration between companies included in the value chain of sportswear products, and a collaboration model for the collaboration type targeted in this study is presented.  
In general, companies may have many ways to deal with difficulties, and one way of overcoming challenges in new markets is the collaboration with local competitors, suppliers, or customers [1]. In this way, new alliances for collaboration between companies are formed both in foreign and domestic markets that lead to product innovation, improved service, and new business opportunities [58].  
In addition, the emergence of smart sensors and cloud technologies, which are the core technology of Industry 4.0, enables the sharing, access, and processing of data along the shop floor and between companies. Consequently, corporations are enabled by new, digital technologies to engage mutually in cross-corporate activities, a form of the so-called interfirm collaboration [59].  
The collaborative efforts could include coordinating product development and just-in-time practices; exchanging data about demand forecasts and delivery schedules; and sharing cost and other strategic information [60, 61, 62].  
Through this, we can confirm that the area of collaboration between manufacturers can be applied from both the horizontal value chain, i.e., the new product development process comprising idea generation, screening, concept development and testing, business analysis, product development, market testing, commercialization, and launch, and the vertical perspective of \"Sensor-PLC-MES-ERP-Cloud\".  
Many researchers have presented the numerous advantages that companies can gain through such collaboration between companies, as follows:  
* To share risks [63], obtain information [64], access complementary resources [65], improve technological capabilities [66], reduce logistical costs [67], reduce transaction costs and enhance productivity [68], and enhance profit performance and competitive advantage over time [69].
* To streamline processes, ensure flexibility, secure business synergies between companies, and provide opportunities for quality and innovation [70].  
The types of cooperation between companies are divided into three categories: (1) vertical collaboration, (2) horizontal collaboration, and (3) lateral collaboration [71]. The collaboration targeted in this study is defined as a vertical collaboration in which two or more organizations, such as the design company, the manufacturer (material supply, printing, sewing), and the distributor share responsibility, resources, and performance information to serve to relatively similar end customers (Figure 6).  
More specifically, The Locker Room, a design company, starts external collaboration through orders from customers, and based on customer orders, internal collaboration is carried out for R&D, purchasing, and marketing. Afterward, based on the work instructions generated by The Locker Room, external cooperation with material supply, printing, sewing, and distribution companies is conducted for the manufacturing and logistics work.