Boosting High-Tech Collaboration: A Matter of Trust, Says Industry Association

Compiled ByDeborah Austin High-tech industry needs better e-collaboration -- with improved incentives and metrics to encourage cooperation -- suggests the Semiconductor Supply Chain Association (SSCA), Ranch Santa Margarita, Calif., in findings from recent survey/workshop series "Collaboration Best Practices in High Technology Industry." Of participating companies, 57% said information owned by trading partners could have softened the 2000-2001 demand swing's financial impact. Forty-seven percent saw collaboration capability as a competitive advantage; another 19%, a survival issue. While 30% believed current slowdowns would reduce their collaboration project dollars for 2002, 22% expected to maintain 2001 levels -- and 22% foresaw an increase. But information distortions from suppliers and customers continue to plague semiconductor companies, said participants. Without different financial incentives and performance metrics to measure and encourage trust, true collaboration will remain limited.