A Danish-Vietnamese Partnership for Business and Technology Development in Solid Waste Management

In business and socio-technical literature, partnerships are highlighted as an important tool for developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, such as the waste management systems of developing countries. In order to investigate the formation of North–South partnerships in this respect, the business development process of a Danish–Vietnamese partnership in the waste sector is analyzed in this paper.

From a participant's perspective, a business development process is narrated, showing how innovation management in partnerships evolves: through socially and culturally influenced negotiations that shape the technology in question. This study investigates both the external and internal challenges in adapting Danish technology to Vietnam though a North–South partnership, in a physical, legislative and market context, and contributes to understanding the issues that arise the early stages of these partnerships.

The partnership's business concept deals with the proposed introduction of improved, Danish solid waste separation and treatment technology at a plant in a suburb of Hanoi. The technology enables the production of derived products, such as organic fertilizer, and is suitable for biogas-based electricity production. This case study highlights issues for partnership facilitation: careful partner selection, managing different interests, cultural differences, and securing joint ownership in constructing a solution, while also showing the need for a comprehensive understanding of these issues. Additionally, the study shows that the technology is capital-intensive and requires financially viable supportive policies and subsidies, as well as a robust organic fertilizer market.