Collaboration Between Corporations and Startups: The Startup-Collaboration-Model

The framework explained in this article is based on PhD research at the University of St.Gallen and professional experiences gained in both Switzerland and Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley remains the world leader in high-tech startups to which the rest of the world looks for inspiration, giving rise to cutting-edge companies such as Apple, Intel, Google, Facebook and Twitter. In 1998 Swisscom established its first Silicon Valley Outpost in Palo Alto. The Outpost as well, identifies technology developments and new business opportunities by fostering the exchange and collaboration with major technology firms, incubators and accelerators, investment experts and ambitious startups. With years of experience and a solid network built up, the Outpost further serves its Swiss headquarters with insights on latest trends and technologies, valuable partnerships, and a visionary mindset. With the aspiration to connect Switzerland with the Silicon Valley and to accelerate its overall innovative strength, Swisscom runs a Corporate Program and industry-specific Focus Weeks for visiting individuals and groups. During those customizable programs, corporate executives, innovation managers or industry experts benefit from privileged access to the Outpost’s local network and first-hand insights like the SCM from innovators and digital disruptors of Silicon Valley.