The entrepreneurship ecosystem in Türkiye and corporate-start-up collaboration: A thematic analysis

Year 2025, Volume: 24 Issue: Özel Sayı - İnovasyon ve Girişimcilik, 119 - 150, 28.03.2025

Merve Çelik Kurtuluş , Pınar Büyükbalcı

Abstract

Collaborations between corporate firms and technology start-ups have gained significant attention in academic literature due to increasing competition and evolving industrial structures. With the acceleration of technology and digitalization, the need for these collaborations has grown, and research on their impact on innovation processes has also increased. In this study, a thematic analysis is conducted on 32 articles from the literature, examining the key themes of these collaborations. Specifically, the impact of collaborations on innovation performance and the factors contributing to their success are discussed based on the findings. This study aims to provide an overview of key areas in the research and guide future studies on critical aspects as collaborations grow in Türkiye. It also offers a discussion focusing on the unique dynamics of the Turkish entrepreneurship ecosystem. In this study, the systematic literature review method is applied. Research shows that corporate firms speed up innovation through collaborations with start-ups, which help large companies access innovative technologies more quickly. Key theoretical models include "open innovation" and "strategic collaboration." Firms source innovation externally and share knowledge, technology, and skills with start-ups, boosting the innovation ecosystem. In Turkey, the entrepreneurial ecosystem is supported by technology transfer offices, technoparks, and government-backed accelerators. Corporate-start-up collaborations in Turkey are vital for strengthening the country’s position in the global innovation race. Despite the growing number of collaborations in Turkey, the limited research on the topic is notable, emphasizing the need for a deeper exploration of their potential impacts and significance. This study identifies key themes in these collaborations, addressing gaps in both literature and practice. By highlighting critical topics in the current literature, the study guides future research and offers recommendations to improve collaboration effectiveness. A thematic analysis of the subject will help develop strategies to enhance the efficiency of these partnerships.

Keywords

Corporate-Start-up Collaborations, Open Innovation, Strategic Collaboration, Thematic Analysis

Türkiye girişimcilik ekosistemi ve kurumsal işletme - start-up iş birlikleri: Tematik bir inceleme

Abstract

Kurumsal işletmeler ile teknoloji start-upları arasındaki iş birlikleri, artan rekabet ve değişen endüstriyel yapılar nedeniyle akademik literatürde geniş yer bulmaktadır. Teknolojinin ve dijitalleşmenin hızlanmasıyla bu iş birliklerine olan ihtiyaç artmış, inovasyon süreçlerine etkisi üzerine yapılan araştırmalar da çoğalmıştır. Bu çalışmada, literatürdeki 32 makale üzerinde tematik analiz yapılarak, iş birliklerinin kilit temaları incelenmektedir. Özellikle iş birliklerinin inovasyon performansı üzerindeki etkisi ve başarı faktörleri, bulgular doğrultusunda ele alınmaktadır. Çalışmanın amacı, hem ilgili araştırma başlığındaki alanlara yönelik resmi ortaya koymak hem de Türkiye’de bu iş birlikleri artarken konunun hangi başlıklarda ele alınması gerektiğine dair gelecekteki araştırmalara yön göstermektir. Ayrıca Türkiye girişimcilik ekosisteminin kendine özgü dinamiklerine odaklanan bir tartışma sunmak da amaçlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada sistematik literatür taraması yöntemi uygulanmaktadır. Araştırmalar, kurumsal işletmelerin start-uplarla iş birliği yaparak inovasyon süreçlerini hızlandırdığını göstermektedir. Bu iş birlikleri, özellikle büyük firmaların yenilikçi teknolojilere erişimini hızlandırmada önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Öne çıkan teorik yaklaşımlar arasında "açık inovasyon" ve "stratejik iş birliği" modelleri bulunmaktadır. Firmaların inovasyonu dış kaynaklardan elde etmesi ve start-uplarla bilgi, teknoloji ve yetenek paylaşımı yapması, inovasyon ekosistemine katkı sağlamaktadır. Türkiye’de girişimcilik ekosistemi, teknoloji transfer ofisleri, teknoparklar ve kamu destekli hızlandırıcı programlar gibi yapılarla desteklenmektedir. Türkiye’de kurumsal işletmelerin start-uplarla iş birliği yapması, ülkenin küresel inovasyon yarışındaki konumunu güçlendirecek önemli bir adımdır. Türkiye'de iş birliklerinin hızla artmasına karşın, bu konuda yapılan araştırmaların sınırlı olması dikkat çekmektedir. Bu durum, iş birliklerinin potansiyel etkilerinin ve öneminin daha detaylı bir şekilde ele alınmasının gerekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu çalışma, iş birliklerinin altında yatan kilit temaları ortaya çıkararak hem literatürde hem de pratikte mevcut boşlukların doldurulmasına olanak tanımaktadır. Çalışma, mevcut literatür için kritik başlıklar ve odak noktaları belirleyerek, gelecekteki araştırmalara yol gösterici olmak ve iş birliklerini daha etkili hale getirecek öneriler sunmak açısından büyük bir öneme sahiptir. Bu nedenle, konunun tematik açıdan ele alınması, iş birliklerinin verimliliğini artıracak stratejilerin geliştirilmesine katkıda bulunacaktır.

Keywords

Kurumsal-Start-up İş Birlikleri, Açık İnovasyon, Stratejik İş Birliği, Tematik Analiz

Thanks

Bu çalışma 20-21 Mayıs 2024 tarihlerinde İstanbul Ticaret Üniversitesi’nin ev sahipliğinde gerçekleştirilen I. Uluslararası Liderlik ve Girişimcilik Sempozyumu: "Girişimcilik ve İnovasyon" adlı sempozyumda sunulan özet bildirinin genişletilmesiyle oluşturulmuştur.

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