Matching Startups with Corporate Entrepreneurship Units: A Conceptual Framework

To stay competitive in today's rapidly changing environment, companies must simultaneously innovate in multiple dimensions. One effective way for companies to do this is to embrace the idea of open innovation by collaborating with startups. While collaboration can benefit both parties, selecting the right partner in the right form of collaboration is paramount. This study aims to develop a comprehensive startup matching framework that links the relevant startup selection criteria with the right form of collaboration in the right Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) unit. The framework has been developed through an in-depth literature analysis, integrating insights from corporate entrepreneurship and startup matching research. The proposed framework structures the matching process into three stages: The general startup attractiveness, the fit for intensive collaboration, and the potential for investment or acquisition. For each phase, the relevant criteria from the literature and the appropriate types of CE units were matched. The framework consolidates fragmented research into a unified theoretical foundation, fills gaps in the literature, and provides a guide for managers to strategically plan and implement successful startup collaborations. It highlights the importance of effective coordination and alignment of internal processes and resources to enhance innovation performance and competitive advantage. Future research should focus on empirically validating the framework to ensure its practical applicability and effectiveness.