Partnership management supports capability building in several ways. First, it enhances existing agency capabilities with the complementary or supplementary capabilities of partner agencies. In the example described above, a state DOT may enhance its existing capability to create a culture of innovation by leveraging new technologies employed by partners that would otherwise be out of reach given the agency’s existing financial or human resources.
In addition, the shared vision that develops through strong partnerships speeds up innovation and collaboration by establishing “what good looks like” and setting a clear course for successful implementation. In this way, partnerships enable new capabilities and also help improve the efficacy of existing capabilities, promoting capability maturity in these areas.