Navigating innovation partnerships: challenges and opportunities in startup-corporate collaborations

Objective of the study: This study will thoroughly investigate the interaction pathways between startups and corporations in Brazil to identify how their partnerships lead to the creation of innovative technology evaluation models. Methodology/approach: The study utilized a qualitative approach that involved conducting 18 exploratory interviews with Brazilian startup founders. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis based on Bardin’s techniques. Originality/Relevance: The novelty of this study lies in its unique focus on examining the dynamics between startups and corporations exclusively from the perspective of startups, offering a fresh and insightful lens on the challenges and opportunities inherent in their collaborative relationships. Main results: The results of the research reveal three non-probabilistic routes of interaction between these entities. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study addresses a theoretical gap in understanding the relationships between startups and corporations, particularly in Brazil. While the literature acknowledges the importance of such partnerships for innovation, there needs to be more comprehensive insights into the interaction pathways and the creation of new technology evaluation models resulting from these collaborations. Social /management contributions: This article's social and managerial significance lies in its influence on the interrelations between these organizations and the adoption of innovative practices through their partnerships, ultimately fostering value creation.