Corporate–Startup Partnerships for Innovation in Construction Firms: A Socio-Technical Study

Abstract

Despite rapid innovation in construction technology (ConTech), many construction firms struggle to effectively collaborate with startups and integrate emerging technologies into their operations. This dissertation investigates how corporate–startup partnerships support innovation in construction firms and examines the mechanisms through which these collaborations occur. Using a multi-method research design, the study combines natural language processing and network analysis of startup ecosystems with survey data and semi-structured interviews of construction industry professionals. The findings reveal key patterns in corporate–startup engagement, identify barriers to collaboration, and highlight organizational factors that influence successful partnerships. The dissertation contributes to the literature on open innovation in construction by proposing a framework for corporate–startup engagement and offering practical recommendations for construction firms seeking to leverage startup innovation.