This research investigates how to improve collaboration between multinational enterprises (MNEs) and local public clients in transmission and distribution (TD) projects, which are essential for enabling Europe’s energy transition. Currently, there is growing pressure on transmission and distribution infrastructure to support the energy transition process. Even though the importance of this collaboration is stated, there is a lack of research on this type of collaboration and in this particular construction sector. Therefore, the main research question is formed: ”How can collaboration between divisions within the same multinational enterprise and local public clients in the transmission and distribution projects be improved to accelerate energy transition?”

To answer the main research question, three subsequent questions are developed to explore the characteristics of this collaboration, the key challenges, and the best practices. This research utilized literature review, semi-structured interviews to gather data, ensuring both theoretical depth and practical relevance, and a focus group to validate the findings. The literature review was conducted in order to define the characteristics of this collaboration, discover the challenges, and best practices.

The research identified 36 collaboration challenges in total by combining insights from literature and interviews with nine main categories. Of these 36, 25 challenges across eight categories were derived from the literature, while 11 new challenges and one additional category emerged through empirical study. However, only 27 were found to be relevant in TD context. Using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) analysis, five key challenges were identified: conflicting working culture, expectation misalignment, language barriers, communication style, and different software/programs. The best practices to address these challenges were found through literature review and interviews, then refined into a tailored framework of actionable recommendations.

The framework is designed to be directly applicable and testable in real-world setting, since it provides concrete recommendations and clear explanations to address challenges arising between MNEs and public clients in TD projects. The aim of this framework is not only to enhance the collaboration, but also to encourage stakeholders to collaborate in future projects and strengthen their relationship. With more effective collaboration, TD infrastructure can be developed efficiently, which in turn has a direct impact on the energy transition by enabling transportation renewable energy to end users and accelerating the energy transition.