Inter-Organizational Ambidexterity in Resource-Constrained Organizations Strategic Alliances as a Strategy to Balance Exploration and Exploitation Activities of Startups and SMEs

In today's dynamic business environment, resource-constrained organizations, such as SMEs and startups, must navigate the dual demands of exploration and exploitation to achieve ambidexterity – a critical capability for business survival and success. This book examines how such organizations can use strategic alliances to benefit from ambidexterity.

In an empirical study, 15 case studies of strategic alliances between established organizations and startups are analyzed based on numerous expert interviews with CEOs, founders, and managers. By collaborating, corporates can benefit from the innovative strength of startups, while startups can benefit from the corporates’ networks and reputation. However, these collaborations often prove challenging. The author develops an empirical model that identifies key antecedents of alliance success. This model sheds light on critical elements such as power imbalances and provides actionable insights for fostering effective and mutually beneficial collaboration.

This book is essential for entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and researchers interested in ambidexterity, strategic alliances, and corporate-startup partnerships.

Introduction.- Theoretical Foundations: Ambidexterity as an Explanation for Firm Performance and Survival.- Digression: Inter-Organizational Ambidexterity – Research on Inter-Organizational AlliancesEmpirical Study: Methodology.- Case Studies: Ambidextrous Collaborations of RCOs: Corporate-Startup and SME-Startup Alliances.- Discussion.- Conclusion.

Dr. Johannes Busold studied Business Administration (B.Sc.) at the University of Münster and Management (M.A.) at Witten/Herdecke University, where he also completed his dissertation and worked as a research and teaching associate at the Reinhard Mohn Institute of Management.