A study by the IfM Bonn and the University of Siegen examined the topic of cooperation between SMEs and startups. It's clear that both sides can benefit from each other. However, the interviews also revealed where problems and stumbling blocks lie.
When SMEs cooperate with innovative start-ups, both sides can benefit: In the best case scenario, the start-ups gain industry-specific know-how as well as access to resources and a large network. With the help of state-of-the-art technologies and the knowledge of highly qualified specialists, SMEs can, for example, further develop the digitalization of their own business model and thus secure their competitiveness.
Cooperation on equal terms
However, a prerequisite for a successful partnership is that both the representatives of the medium-sized company and the innovative start-up engage intensively with each other:
"Potential cooperation partners must meet on equal terms and with the necessary openness. However, medium-sized companies in particular often have reservations and a comparatively strong sense of security. For innovative founders, however, the challenge lies in accepting the more complex decision-making mechanisms of medium-sized companies. They must also be able to clearly demonstrate the specific benefits of their project for the medium-sized company."
explained Prof. Dr. Friederike WelterUnder her leadership, researchers from the IfM Bonn and the University of Siegen conducted interviews with entrepreneurs, investors and association representatives.
Still too few matching options
"In principle, various forms of cooperation are available to interested partners – from informal support models to investment models. The nature and intensity of the cooperation ultimately depends on the goals pursued by both sides. But aspects such as the entrepreneur's personality, regional distance, or certain industry specifics also play a role,"
reports the President of the IfM Bonn, who also holds a professorship at the University of Siegen. Another problem is still the way in which medium-sized companies and innovative companies find each other, even though networking events and matching formats already exist.
