Transformative system change requires new forms of collaboration between established firms and startups. This project investigates how collaborative innovation arenas can create the conditions for more effective coordination between these actors—supporting the implementation of Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) and accelerating sustainability transitions.

 

Overcoming Barriers to Transformative Partnerships

 

The project explores how collaboration processes can be structured to overcome barriers such as goal misalignment, resource asymmetries, and trust gaps. Strengthening incumbent-startup partnerships in innovation arenas contributes to building organizational capabilities and fostering systemic change toward sustainable futures.

 

Key activities include:

 

• Comparative case studies of collaborative innovation arenas.

• Participatory workshops to co-develop practical frameworks for improving collaboration.

• Stakeholder engagement in iterative feedback loops to refine actionable strategies for system transformation.

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Stakeholders Involved

 

Researchers:​

Solmaz Filiz Karabag (Project Leader) and Christian Berggren, Linköping University. Their expertise spans business transformation, sustainability transitions, and organizational collaboration.

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Collaborating organisations:

​Linköping Science Park, sustainability-focused companies, emerging startups, and innovation platform organizers.

 

Impact

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The project aims to deliver actionable frameworks for coordinating transformative partnerships more effectively. The insights will contribute to building stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystems that can drive systemic change across industries and support sustainability transitions.​​​​​

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