Global collaborative governance: there is no alternative

Purpose – Emerging collaborative arrangements between public and private institutions provide the potential for novel ways of enhancing the provision of public goods. This paper aims to explore the question whether formal mechanics rooted in complex institutional alliances are today's prototype of tomorrow's mainstream approaches to governance, or such mechanics are transitory stages or symptoms of governance challenges that will eventually be resolved through more traditional means. Design/methodology/approach – The paper focus on the role of business in these governance micro‐climates, although the analysis carries implications for public institutions and civil society organizations, and the final sections extend the country case analysis to related public policy strategies. Findings – Collaborative governance could be the common currency of decision making in the future and is preferable if it provides a means to overcome existing institutional constraints to effectively addressing social and environmental challenges. Originality/value – The paper brings together the phenomena of collaborative governance and corporate responsibility.