Navigating paradoxical tension: the influence of big corporations on startup sustainability performance in asymmetric collaborations

In today's competitive landscape, startups and large corporations increasingly acknowledge the mutual benefits of collaboration. Despite the apparent benefits, collaborations come with their own set of challenges that may affect their success. This research delves into the dynamics of collaborations between startups and large corporations, assuming the startup’s perspective. It aims to explore the paradoxical tensions arising from this asymmetrical relationship and how they impact the sustainability performance of startups. It further investigates how startups manage the pressures of large corporations to prioritise short-term gains over long-term sustainability goals, examining the role of ambidexterity in maintaining a commitment to sustainability when facing these challenges. Through a survey conducted among 189 Born-Sustainable Italian startups engaged in open innovation initiatives with large corporations, this paper seeks to uncover how these pressures influence startups' ability to achieve sustainable performance and balance immediate performance expectations with long-term sustainability goals. The findings are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that enable startups to navigate the complexities of collaborations, enhancing innovation, resilience, and sustainability performance, thus fostering a more collaborative and productive partnership.