The third dimension establishes the basis for compatibility and complementarity of various partners by closely examining the objectives, motivations and characteristics of each.

The objectives and motivations of each partner, whether they are from the private or public sector or even service providers, will influence their involvement in the project and their expectations in terms of performance. The following factors carry some weight:

• nature of targeted objectives in terms of profit, strategic opportunities, risk reduction, cost sharing, training, service quality, economic development and public and general interests
• level of sharing of such objectives expressed in terms of psychological and strategic distance
• presence and participation of citizen-clients and interest groups that represent service recipients

The characteristics of each of the three types of partners involved in a collaboration project determine the nature and the intensity of their own participation and expectations vis-à-vis the project and its results. It is important to mention the following elements:

• organisational structure, culture and environment; the decision-making process specific to each partner
• partners' ability for adaptation, absorption, and basic skills
• organisational strategy and level of alignment of the project with this strategy
• leadership, relative power or partner's level of dependency
• past experiences with collaboration, involvement in business networks and networking
• partner's technological experience and skills
• differences in partners' profiles in terms of similarities and complementarity.

These ten factors provide the opportunity to draw each partner's profile and to verify compatibility in terms of their objectives, organisations, and past experience. Psychological, strategic, cultural and technological distance between partners exacerbates information asymmetry which can reduce effectiveness and aggravate problems.