Publish with us

Connect with us

The Collaboration Equation

Mushtak Al-Atabi
Buying Options
Paperback / Hardback

The story of humankind is marked by breathtaking advancements. From mastering fire, steam, and electricity to developing artificial intelligence, there seems to be no limit to human ingenuity. However, the trade-offs that accompanied these remarkable feats, like environmental degradation, increased hypercompetition, isolation, and self-centred individualism, are increasingly resulting in negative outcomes that are beyond sustainable levels. As global challenges become more complex, the future of humanity hinges on our ability to leverage our interconnectedness, master the art of inspiring shared purpose, and nurture mutual trust to achieve what would be impossible individually.

The Collaboration Equation champions this view by presenting a compelling argument that collaboration—not competition—is the fundamental organizing principle of life. This book explores the biological, psychological, and societal foundations of collaboration, revealing that the key to thriving ecosystems, successful organizations, and harmonious societies lies in collaborative interaction.

By putting forward a simple formula (Collaboration = Shared Purpose x Mutual Trust) that encapsulates the essence of effective collaboration across all levels of existence, the book illustrates how collaboration is embedded in our DNA, from bacteria that form protective biofilms to humans who build complex civilizations. Through examples and case studies, it demonstrates how shared purpose aligns individuals and groups towards common goals, while mutual trust enables the open exchange of ideas and the willingness to work collectively for humanity’s greater good.

Published: Jan/2026

ISBN: 9789815280937

Length: 288 Pages

The Collaboration Equation

Mushtak Al-Atabi

The story of humankind is marked by breathtaking advancements. From mastering fire, steam, and electricity to developing artificial intelligence, there seems to be no limit to human ingenuity. However, the trade-offs that accompanied these remarkable feats, like environmental degradation, increased hypercompetition, isolation, and self-centred individualism, are increasingly resulting in negative outcomes that are beyond sustainable levels. As global challenges become more complex, the future of humanity hinges on our ability to leverage our interconnectedness, master the art of inspiring shared purpose, and nurture mutual trust to achieve what would be impossible individually.

The Collaboration Equation champions this view by presenting a compelling argument that collaboration—not competition—is the fundamental organizing principle of life. This book explores the biological, psychological, and societal foundations of collaboration, revealing that the key to thriving ecosystems, successful organizations, and harmonious societies lies in collaborative interaction.

By putting forward a simple formula (Collaboration = Shared Purpose x Mutual Trust) that encapsulates the essence of effective collaboration across all levels of existence, the book illustrates how collaboration is embedded in our DNA, from bacteria that form protective biofilms to humans who build complex civilizations. Through examples and case studies, it demonstrates how shared purpose aligns individuals and groups towards common goals, while mutual trust enables the open exchange of ideas and the willingness to work collectively for humanity’s greater good.

Buying Options
Paperback / Hardback

Mushtak Al-Atabi

Professor Dr. Mushtak Al-Atabi is currently the Provost and CEO at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. A passionate educator, innovator and an agent of change, Mushtak always challenges the status quo to unlock value. He pioneered the use of the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) educational framework in Malaysia. He offered one of the first Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Asia (the first in Malaysia) in 2013. His online classes, Entrepreneurship, Success with Emotional Intelligence and Global Entrepreneurship, attracted thousands of students from 150 countries. He speaks at international conferences and consults for national and multinational corporations, including universities, banks and manufacturing and energy companies, in the areas of leadership, innovation, human development, performance and technology. Mushtak is the author of Think Like an Engineer, Leading with Stories, and Driven by Purpose. His research interests include thermo-fluids, renewable energy, biomechanical engineering, engineering education and academic leadership. He has numerous research publications, awards and honours. Mushtak is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK), a member of the Board of Directors at the British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and the Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors’ Council of Private Universities in Malaysia.