A conceptual framework for asymmetric collaborations between startups and big corporations in digital innovation ecosystems

Purpose This paper explores the dynamics of asymmetric collaborations between startups and large corporations within digital innovation ecosystems (DIEs). The study identifies key themes, challenges and strategic mechanisms necessary for successful collaborations. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 440 articles retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science. Latent Dirichlet allocation text-mining identified four key research topics, further examined through the 6W framework to capture multi-dimensional insights. Findings The review identifies four thematic clusters: (1) startups’ market entry strategies, often reliant on corporates for legitimacy and scalability, (2) innovation transfer and strategic partnerships, enabled by intermediaries and open innovation programs, (3) investment and success dynamics, where corporate venture capital accelerates growth but risks dependency and (4) managing collaborative development, requiring cultural alignment and organizational flexibility. Applying the 6W framework highlights how asymmetries manifest across dimensions: Who (startups, corporates, intermediaries, universities), What (strategic alignment, knowledge transfer and venturing), Why (innovation, agility and legitimacy), How (orchestration, cultural fit and digital tools), Where (hybrid physical–digital arenas) and When (timing of entry, adaptation and investment). These insights reveal that collaboration outcomes depend on governing asymmetries through strategic, organizational and policy mechanisms. Originality/value This paper provides a conceptual framework synthesizing key constructs such as actors, context, mechanisms and motivations in startup-corporate collaborations. The study is among the first to systematically link the dynamics of asymmetrical collaborations to the broader themes of DIEs. Its insights contribute to both academic research and policymaking by highlighting mechanisms to balance asymmetries and enhance innovation scalability.