Characteristics and Actors of Impact Investing Ecosystem from the Perspective of Technology Startups

Innovation through cooperation between corporations and startups in Brazil

The objective of this study is to investigate how major companies develop innovation projects in partnership with startups through the lens of corporate–startup engagement (CSE). The research aims to analyze the motivations, engagement models and internal validation processes for these partnerships, with a particular focus on the structural frictions that arise. The research employs an exploratory and descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and processed using content analysis to capture the micro-foundations of these collaborations. The study reveals a significant gap between strategic intent and execution in CSE. Although corporations express a desire for disruptive, exploratory innovation, practical applications frequently devolve into projects focused on incremental operational efficiency. Major barriers are identified not merely as bureaucracy, but as fundamental structural frictions driven by corporate centralization, which constricts knowledge flows. Furthermore, the study identifies critical “pathbreakers” to collaboration, including severe speed mismatches and project dormancy driven by demands for uncompensated proof of concept (POCs). The research is limited by a non-probabilistic sample and a limited number of interviews, which preclude generalizable empirical conclusions. For corporate managers, the study emphasizes that establishing CSE requires intentional internal architecture – such as creating structural “shortcuts” and dedicated innovation units – to bypass the friction of centralized processes. For startups, it underscores the need for strategic alignment to navigate corporate requirements and avoid the pitfalls of speed mismatches and delayed financing. The paper underscores the strategic importance of technological innovation for boosting national productivity and presents CSE as a vital alternative for economic development. The research contributes to the theory of organizational ambidexterity by providing a multi-perspective empirical analysis (triangulating data from corporate managers, startup entrepreneurs and connecting agents). It explicitly maps the theoretical ““pathbreakers”“ and practical friction points that hinder the implementation of ambidextrous strategies.

How to Make the Honeymoon Last: Effectiveness of Different Types of Management Controls for Innovation Success in Corporate-Startup Collaborations

Working together with startups is common practice in an increasing number of corporate business environments, especially when the goal of innovation takes center stage. Our research objective is to provide empirical results on the relationship between corporate-startup collaborations and innovation success, and how management controls can be beneficial in these collaborations. Using survey data from key decision-makers at 46 established firms in German-speaking countries, analyzed through structural equation modeling (SmartPLS), we uncover five key findings. First, an innovation-oriented corporate strategy significantly enhances innovation success. Second, effective collaboration with startups contributes positively to innovation outcomes. Third, management control system (MCS) effectiveness plays a crucial mediating role in achieving innovation success. Fourth, action controls and personnel controls significantly enhance MCS effectiveness. These findings not only advance the theoretical understanding of collaborative innovation and strategic entrepreneurship but also provide actionable insights for designing effective management controls that bridge strategic intent and innovative outcomes in corporate-startup collaborations.

The impact of innovation on ESG performance

Purpose: The main objective of the paper is to explore how different types of innovations contribute to ESG performance in companies. The study aims to distinguish the specific effects of technological and organizational innovations on environmental, social, and governance dimensions, thereby clarifying their role in sustainable corporate development. Methodology: To achieve the research objective, data were collected from 113 companies in Serbia during 2025. Structural Equation Modelling was applied to examine the relationships between types of innovations and ESG performance dimensions, enabling a precise assessment of their individual impacts. Findings: The study confirms that innovations are essential for improving ESG performance. Technological innovations have the strongest impact on environmental outcomes, while organizational innovations are most influential in strengthening governance practices. Social performance is positively affected by both types of innovations, though to a lesser extent. Originality/value: This research provides novel insights into the differentiated effects of innovation types on ESG dimensions, contributing to the literature by linking innovation strategies with sustainability outcomes in a transitional economy context. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between technological and organizational innovations when evaluating ESG performance. Practical implications: The findings can help hotel managers and policymakers design innovation strategies that align with sustainability goals. Companies seeking to improve environmental outcomes should prioritize technological innovations, while those aiming to strengthen governance should focus on organizational innovations. These insights are particularly valuable for decision makers in emerging economies striving to balance competitiveness with ESG commitments. Limitations: The study is limited to companies operating in Serbia, which may restrict the generalizability of findings to other contexts. Additionally, the analysis is based on cross-sectional data collected in 2025, preventing the assessment of long-term innovation effects. Future research should expand to comparative international samples and longitudinal designs.

Company Analysis of Blue Dart Express Ltd with special Reference to Technology Innovations

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory research case study is to analyze Blue Dart Express Ltd. from the perspective of technological innovations, operational excellence, and strategic competitiveness in the logistics and supply chain industry. The study aims to evaluate the company's technology-driven business practices using established analytical frameworks and to identify insights and recommendations for enhancing future logistics performance and customer value creation. Methodology: This exploratory research case study is based on secondary data collected from authentic and credible sources, including company websites, scholarly publications indexed in Google Scholar, and AI-assisted literature support tools. The collected information is systematically examined using appropriate analytical frameworks aligned with the objectives of the study to generate meaningful insights and practical recommendations. Results/Analysis: The analysis reveals that Blue Dart Express Ltd. has achieved sustainable competitive advantage through continuous technological innovation, digital logistics integration, and efficient supply chain management. The application of SWOC, ABCD, and technological strategy analyses highlights the company's operational strengths, innovation capabilities, and future growth opportunities. The study further identifies that the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), predictive analytics, automation, and smart logistics solutions can further enhance customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and long-term business sustainability. Originality/Value: This research offers a comprehensive company analysis of Blue Dart Express Ltd. by integrating strategic, financial, and technology-oriented analytical frameworks to evaluate its innovation-driven business model in the Indian logistics sector. The study provides valuable academic and managerial insights into technology-enabled competitive advantage and serves as a practical reference for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers interested in digital transformation and sustainable logistics management. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research Company Analysis Case Study.

Leveraging industry 4.0 technologies to enhance supply chain resilience in the automotive industry

This thesis analyzes studies focusing on the use of Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance supply chain resilience in the automotive sector, which is of critical importance in the face of contemporary crises such as the microchip shortage and the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines how technological solutions mitigate logistical vulnerabilities and optimize proactive risk management. The scope of the study includes a systematic review of the global scientific literature as well as an in-depth analysis of Turkey’s industrial ecosystem and automotive manufacturers. Methodologically, the research adopts a mixed-methods approach that combines a systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis using the PRISMA framework on a final dataset of 161 academic articles from the Scopus database covering the period 2011–2026. The findings indicate that big data analytics and artificial intelligence, in particular, play a leading role in enabling the transition from reactive to proactive management by facilitating the early prediction of disruptions. The study also reveals that the effectiveness of these tools is closely tied to the organizational maturity level of firms and the systemic interoperability between manufacturers and suppliers. In conclusion, the resilience of the automotive sector in the Industry 4.0 era lies not in the pursuit of rigid robustness, but in the strategic flexibility offered by a collaborative digital architecture.

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