Our Method
It's more than just an acronym , it's a philosophy for tackling complex multi-party negotiations.
DACCORD® stands for Dialogue-oriented Agreement on Contractual Clauses through Organized Resolution and Discussion. Invented and trademark-protected by the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib).
At its core, DACCORD® provides a highly structured overall process for contract development, embedding the core negotiation within a framework of clear communication and transparent steps. Tools like Process Letters ensure all parties have a constant overview of where they stand, applicable timelines, potential paths, and how the process unfolds. This structured environment is designed to overcome the typical hurdles of large-scale negotiations: conflicting interests, diverse stakeholder backgrounds (like academia vs. industry, or technical vs. legal experts), overwhelming amounts of feedback, and tight deadlines.
Instead of chaotic back-and-forth discussions, the DACCORD® method relies on:
Structured Dialogue
The method ensures every voice is heard systematically. Crucially, it eliminates side deals and sequential bargaining where one party’s demands trigger the next. All interactions happen transparently, simultaneously, and on an equal footing, making the process significantly simpler and fairer. Regulations are developed collaboratively, ensuring all needs are considered.
Organized Feedback
Input is collected and consolidated efficiently. This overcomes the limitations and confusion of traditional review methods (like endless Word track changes), ensuring clear texts, clear statuses, and structured instructions at all times, ultimately leading to more readable and understandable agreements.
Focused Resolution
The process guides parties towards identifying key issues and finding common ground issue by issue, clause by clause, feedback by feedback. It helps differentiate between points requiring substantial discussion and those that are stylistic or less critical, ensuring that negotiation time is concentrated on issues truly relevant to reaching agreement.
All-Partial Facilitation
Facilitation within the DACCORD® framework is independent and dedicated to the success of all parties, fostering a win-win environment rather than advocating for a single viewpoint.