Final answer:
The three main characteristics of strategic alliances are the pooling of resources, sharing of risks and rewards, and a mutual goal of gaining a competitive advantage, often seen among corporations forming associations or trade agreements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three characteristics that all forms of strategic alliances have in common include a pooling of resources, a sharing of risks and rewards, and a mutual goal of achieving competitive advantage. These alliances can be formed between companies within the same industry or between businesses in different sectors. An example of an alliance is when several competing corporations join together in an association because they recognize strength in numbers, have common issues that may affect an entire industry, and can all benefit from governmental policies. Nations may form trade agreements for similar reasons including common economic goals, such as those belonging to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and industries may form trade associations to address issues such as regulation and taxation that affect all members.
Strategic alliances allow for resources and expertise to be combined, creating synergies and facilitating innovation. The pooling of resources might include knowledge, technology, or capital, while sharing risks and rewards ensures that no single entity bears the entire burden of potential losses or enjoys isolated profits. The mutual goal is often to enter new markets, develop new products, or increase overall market share.