Beyond partnership structure and scalability, the success of a collaboration is determined by the commitment, willingness and readiness of the organizations involved. Partners must assess their own ability to contribute meaningfully, collaborate effectively and maximize impact. Without strong commitment, partnerships may struggle to maintain engagement, manage complexity and align conflicting goals. Insights from impactful partnerships within the GAEA Awards partner ecosystem suggest five key enablers for organizations to become strong collaborators: 1. Clear strategy and ambition. 2. Cross-functional alignment. 3. Collaborative mindset and culture. 4. Long-term planning and flexibility. 5. Dedicated resourcing, capabilities and skills. Enabler 1: Clear strategy and ambition Before embarking on partnerships, organizations should define a clear internal strategy to meet sustainability goals, backed by solid organizational support and ideally with a clear business case. For example, Vattenfall – one of the partners in the HYBRIT joint venture – says: “The aim of our strategy is fossil freedom. This commitment provides both a clear direction and significant business opportunities.”25 This clarity helps align external collaborators and more effectively engages internal stakeholders in the partnership’s value. Internal support is crucial for success; without it, partnerships often fail. A clear strategy should include recognition of the organization’s strengths and gaps and an understanding of their role in broader ecosystems and where they can add value, whether through technical expertise, capital, local connections or policy influence. Renewable energy company ReNew is an example of an organization that recognizes the strategic areas in which it needs to partner to deliver on its ESG objectives more effectively. Scope 3 accounts for 90% of the company’s emissions (primarily from purchased goods and capital equipment). So to achieve its climate goals, ReNew must work closely with suppliers, industry peers, policy-makers and civil society to align decarbonization pathways, drive innovation, enhance ESG data transparency and build long-term resilience – and how it will contribute to achieving shared outcomes. Enabler 2: Cross-functional alignment Senior management across all functions should be ready to mobilize the full capabilities of the organization to maximize the partnership’s impact and value. Cross-functional engagement – in which different parts of an organization engage with each other (e.g. legal with sustainability) – plays a critical role in this process. It helps proactively address internal hesitations around collaboration – for example, by ensuring appropriate anti-trust safeguards when working with competitors or by committing necessary resources and financing. This type of internal collaboration also ensures alignment with other ongoing initiatives by identifying interdependencies, uncovering potential synergies and resolving conflicts. Furthermore, cross-functional coordination supports the effective implementation of new standards, practices or technologies that may emerge from industry partnerships across all relevant teams. Enabler 3: Collaborative mindset and culture Partner organizations should cultivate a collaborative culture that embraces working as “one team” with partners, both to contribute effectively and to maximize shared value. This mindset is most effective when championed by senior leadership and reinforced across all levels of the organization. Clearly defined legal and governance frameworks within partnerships help to establish boundaries that encourage transparent collaboration while respecting anti-trust requirements. Ongoing internal communication about partnership goals and progress further builds alignment and strengthens internal support.3.2 Five key enablers for an effective collaborator A collaborative mindset is most effective when championed by senior leadership and reinforced across all levels of the organization. Making Collaboration Work for Climate and Nature: Practical Insights from GAEA Award Winners 23