Start-ups as suppliers: Toward a new framework for understanding the role of innovative firms in supply chains

Start-ups, characterised by their innovation and agility, are emerging as transformative suppliers in global supply chains. Their ability to rapidly adapt to market changes and introduce disruptive technologies positions them as pivotal supply chain competitiveness and resilience enablers. This study develops a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand the dynamics of start-up integration into supply chains, addressing their dual role as drivers of innovation and sources of risk. The research identifies critical antecedents, strategies, and outcomes that define successful collaborations by synthesising insights from supply chain management, entrepreneurship, and innovation theories. The findings highlight that start-ups enhance supply chain agility, flexibility, and innovation but face resource constraints and power imbalances. Proposed strategies, such as structured engagement programmes and trust-building mechanisms, enable effective integration, fostering mutual value creation. The study also outlines propositions for future research, emphasising the need for context-specific strategies and longitudinal analyses to refine the theoretical framework further. This study provides actionable insights for managers and policymakers to leverage start-ups for competitive advantage while mitigating associated risks.