Human systems engineering (HSE) was created to introduce a new way of viewing collaboration. HSE emphasizes the role of leaders who welcome risk, commit to achieving positive change, and help others achieve change. The principles of HSE and its successful application to the collaborative process were illustrated through a case study representing a collaboration of leaders from a private-sector firm (XXsys Technologies, Inc.), the University of California at San Diego, the California Department of Transportation, and the National Institute for Standards and Technology for the purpose of applying composites for seismic retrofitting of bridge columns. The case study demonstrated that the HSE model differs from the strategic alliance model by virtue of the fact that strategic alliances focus on accomplishing a common goal whereas HSE emphasizes the recognition and achievement of individual goals for collaborating partners. The case study further established that HSE focuses on the following: individual goals rather than the common goal; maximum rather than minimum risk; the process rather than its outcomes; positive change rather than change in any form; people who do the job rather than getting the job done; and relying on the strengths of all participants rather than balancing strengths and weaknesses. (MN)