Business partnerships for equitable cities : a new approach for social investment in cities

The case studies show the diverse combinations of linkages possible when seemingly divergent sectors come together to attempt innovative projects and programs that use each other"s skills to achieve similar ends. The abundance of diverse variables at play makes for varying levels of success of particular projects, all of which provides lessons for future efforts, as detailed below. In order for business citizenship and partnerships to thrive, there must be an institutional change in how cities are managed. The basic structure vis-a-vis the business sector and community must be one of increased transparency, accountability, and rule of law. Increasingly, this decisionmaking process gives people that feeling of a having a stake in the process that is necessary for active participation in it. There are several reasons why partnerships fail. One of the major limitations is that their dependence on a few individuals who, when they move on, leave no structure in place to continue the partnership. Partnerships also fail when there are constant changes in city government, when vested interests hold sway, when partnerships are seen as ploys for media publicity, and when there is lack of commitment to see the process through to the end. Key to building partnerships is building capacity of local governments, as well as of NGOs and other civic bodies. Also important are making initial efforts in a few critical "visible" areas and ensuring that changes are not forced from outside but come from within. Responsive administration is essential, as is commitment from the business sector to improving the quality of city life. Involving the corporate sector in development has proven worthwhile for all parties. Communities stand to gain by becoming more efficient and productive, while companies stand to gain not only by being seen as socially responsible, but because in the long run poverty eradication benefits the corporate sector. Finally, to maintain the momentum of partnerships, it is important to create a new order of working together. In some cases, this may entail creating new organizations. At a minimum, it will be necessary to find an organization with the will to champion partnerships and the ability to implement them through collaboration rather than command.