Exploring Megaproject Governance with Regard to Collaboration : The case of the International Space Station

Abstract: Our society is more dependent on global problem-solving than ever before. Megaprojects are one way of solving this challenge. Even though some of them are supposed to give answers to the direst problems of our time, our knowledge about them is paradoxically poor that leads to economic losses. The areas that especially demand attention are the project architecture, relationships, and innovative governance solutions that promote collaboration. The purpose of the thesis is to explore how megaprojects are governed in regard to collaboration through the case of a science-focused intergovernmental megaproject. The report builds an understanding of megaprojects, governance, and collaboration. Then it attempts to identify how governance affects collaboration over the paradox of control and flexibility within the case of the International Space Station (ISS) as one of the most recognized examples of megaprojects. It has been found that contractual and relational governance should be both present within megaproject governance. Because historically contractual arrangements are dominating governance, additional focus is required on the relational counterpart. The five main parts of the ISS governance, legal framework, organizational structure, goals, roles, and funding system, are mainly related to contractual governance, facilitating control. However, they also feature mechanisms that promote flexibility, thus providing a platform for collaborative practices to be formed. The top tier of the legal framework provides stability but the lower tiers offer opportunities to implement changes in the program. The goals of the ISS serve as a strong motivator that puts the common goals in front of the individual agendas of the partner countries. Furthermore, concerning funding, the in-kind contributions system provides a different set of incentives through bartering, compared to the traditionally used financing, and supports the collaborative environment by building closer relationships with industry partners. The example of the ISS revealed valuable lessons to better understand intergovernmental megaprojects and solve the challenges of the future affecting us.