Collaboration or co-optation? Navigating power asymmetries in publicly-funded innovation partnerships for the journalism sector

Abstract

In recent years, policymakers have become increasingly engaged in supporting the digital transformation and the innovation trajectory of journalism. Among these efforts, collaborative innovation grants involving journalistic and non-journalistic actors are emerging as a new approach, particularly in Europe. This study examines a publicly funded innovation programme implemented in Flanders between 2023 and 2024, employing such collaborative model. Based on semi-structured interviews with senior decision-makers involved in the collaborations the findings indicate that while collaborative innovation projects hold potential for knowledge sharing and explorative innovation, a significant gap exist between expected and actual benefits. More specifically, this study shows how both the inherent complexity of collaborative innovation practice and the specific programme’s design magnify commercial imperatives, opportunistic behaviors, and resistance to change, particularly from large, established players, during project implementation. Ultimately, while intended to drive sector-wide innovation, these programmes can unintentionally reinforce existing power asymmetries in the sector if the complexities of their collaborative structure are not effectively managed.