Gestión de redes de cooperación para la sostenibilidad: experiencia de la red latinoamericana de innovación frugal

Sustainability requires sharing knowledge, resources, and capabilities. Cooperation networks (CNs) are essential for promoting strategies and approaches that respond to socio-environmental challenges in various territories, particularly in emerging countries. However, managing CNs is complex, and there is little literature in this field. This article identifies and analyzes, in an exploratory manner, the management practices of a CN for sustainability. It studies the case of the Latin American Frugal Innovation Network (RELIF), which promotes frugal innovation as a design approach for sustainability in Latin America. A qualitative methodology was used, based on interviews with the coordinating committee and a thematic analysis. A number of effective practices were identified, such as active collaboration, strategic alignment, and efficient resource management, as well as challenges related to the lack of a solid strategic plan and the need to define an appropriate legal entity. These findings serve as valuable lessons for similar initiatives and offer a set of opportunities to strengthen the management practices of innovation networks. Future research is recommended to explore appropriate legal structures and develop innovation network strategies to disseminate sustainability approaches.