The Politics of Inter‐Institutional Co‐Operation: A Case Study

SUMMARY

The paper begins with a brief overview of the literature showing different perspectives on inter‐institutional co‐operation, as background to a case study, an example of a co‐operative venture set up to share and use educational technology and communications resources among 19 post‐secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada. The story of the setting up of an Office of Educational Communications is narrated, along with the results of a survey conducted after the office was closed, to obtain the reactions of key respondents or stakeholders in the Atlantic region. The survey findings provide several reasons for failure, including lack of commitment, lack of funding, and lack of clear objectives as well as too wide a range of expectations. The conclusions indicate that more clearly stated objectives and well defined terms of agreement are required for co‐operation. Contemporary structures of collaboration such as strategic partnerships may be more appropriate in providing operating guidelines, and in stating the expected outcomes for those who engage in co‐operative ventures of this kind.