Capacidade de absorção e perenidade dos engajamentos entre grandes empresas e startups: experiência de um hub de inovação em uma empresa industrial

Abstract

Collaboration between large corporations and startups has become a relevant strategy within the context of open innovation, especially in traditional industrial sectors. While the literature presents various models of corporate engagement with startups, few studies explore the factors that contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of these connections. This research investigates how the operational dimensions of an innovation hub relate to the development of absorptive capacities and, consequently, to the sustainability of engagements between a large industrial company and startups. A qualitative case study was conducted in a corporate innovation hub within the steel industry, based on nine semi-structured interviews with professionals directly involved in open innovation initiatives. Data analysis was guided by a theoretical framework that cross-references innovation hub dimensions with elements of absorptive capacity. The findings indicate that dimensions such as trust, qualification, practical experience, and innovation culture are strongly associated with the development of absorptive capacities and the establishment of more enduring partnerships with startups. The study also reveals that the hub acts as a strategic mediator, promoting the integration of external and internal knowledge and contributing to organizational transformation. These empirical insights reinforce the importance of intermediary structures such as innovation hubs in articulating innovation ecosystems and strengthening the ability of large companies to absorb external knowledge.