2.2 Supply chain collaboration
Several researchers have indicated an increasing interest
in SCC [e.g. 27, 28]. SCC occurs when two or more firms
in a SC work closely together in planning and delivering
products to end customers to optimise profits for the SC
members and gain mutual benefits [5]. It is necessary to
develop closer relationships, integrating processes and
sharing information with customers and suppliers.
According to Barratt [29, p. 33], ‘‘Internal collaboration
must be married with external collaboration’’. Thus, firms
need to collaborate in order to gain access to combinations
of resources or improved capabilities that allow them to
achieve collaborative advantage and higher performance.