Define Drivers and Facilitators, and name three of the primary factors ascribed to them.

Drivers are defined as compelling reasons to partner. Drivers are strategic factors that may result in a competitive advantage and may help to determine the appropriate type of business relationship. Although other factors may certainly be considered, the primary drivers include the following:

 Asset/cost efficiency
 Customer service
 Marketing advantage
 Profit stability/growth

Facilitators are defined as supportive corporate environmental factors that enhance partnership growth and development.. As such, they are the factors that, if present, can help to ensure the success of the relationship. Included among the main types of facilitators are the following:

 Corporate compatibility
 Management philosophy and techniques
 Mutuality of commitment to relationship formation
 Symmetry on key factors such as relative size, financial strength, and so on

In addition, a number of additional factors have been identified as keys to successful relationships. Included are factors such as: exclusivity, shared competitors, physical proximity, prior history of working with a partner or the partner, and a shared high-value end user.