Unequal Partners or Powerful Alliances?
The Truth About Collaboration in Global Innovation
Interview with
Dr. Thomas Leiber and Chetan Maini
Dr. Thomas Leiber
LinkedinChetan Maini
LinkedinINTRODUCTION
As innovation stalls in traditionally dominant economies like Germany, a quiet revolution is taking place in emerging markets such as India, China, and Brazil. These fast-growing regions are no longer just sources of low-cost manufacturing—they're becoming engines of bold, agile innovation. In this new landscape, collaboration across borders, sectors, and company sizes is no longer a strategic choice; it’s a survival imperative.
In this in-depth conversation, two visionary leaders—Dr. Thomas Leiber, a prolific German innovator and entrepreneur, and Chetan Maini, the Indian pioneer behind the country’s first electric car, shed light on what it takes to thrive in today’s global innovation ecosystem. From the critical role of intellectual property in levelling the playing field to the cultural and structural shifts needed for true startup-corporate collaboration, Leiber and Maini challenge outdated assumptions and offer a roadmap for transformative partnerships.
Together, they explore a crucial question: Can established and emerging players move beyond unequal transactions to build equitable, trust-based alliances that drive real progress?
This series of articles on “Unequal Partners or Powerful Alliances? The Truth About Collaboration in Global Innovation” goes beyond theory to examine what innovation looks like in practice—from AI-enhanced IP strategies to frugal engineering in fast-moving markets—and reveals how smart partnerships can turn creative ideas into world-changing impact.
PART 2
From Stagnation to Synergy: The Importance of Startup Collaboration Across Markets
Startups in mature economies often face significant challenges breaking through stagnant markets. While many seek collaboration with established Western corporations, these large players are not always the best partners, while there is new potential for powerful collaboration with small and large enterprises in emerging markets, where there is a hunger for innovation, growth and most importantly, a market.
According to Mr. Leiber, “Startups often aim to collaborate with major Western brands, but these large corporations can be quite rigid—or even arrogant—which makes true, eye-level collaboration difficult.” In contrast, Indian companies frequently offer more equitable partnerships, embracing collaboration on equal terms and providing critical support to scale innovation.
European startups remain highly innovative, but by partnering with Indian firms, they can gain access to one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly growing markets. Mr. Leiber stresses the importance of selecting the right partner:
“Big-name brands aren't always the most effective or agile collaborators.”
This shift towards cross-border collaboration is gaining traction, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth.
“Big-name brands aren’t always the most effective or agile collaborators.”
Thomas Leiber
Building on this perspective, Mr. Maini notes a significant change in recent years. While European startups excel in technology development, launching these innovations in new markets often demands a different approach and resources.
“India’s market operates differently, and there are Indian companies that can recognise a promising idea and take it to market in half the time by leveraging complementary capabilities and wider access to local resources.”
Partnerships now range from startup-to-startup to large company collaborations, reflecting growing confidence in the mutual benefits of such alliances.
India’s strength in frugal innovation—delivering efficient, scalable solutions quickly—is a key advantage. Combined with its rapid product development cycles, this creates fertile ground for joint ventures that drive impact. Mr. Maini points out that “It’s not just Indian startups benefiting; even larger international companies are realising the value of collaborating across borders with Indian partners.” Successful examples of these partnerships underscore the potential for “win-win-win” outcomes where all sides thrive.
As these cross-border partnerships multiply, they hold the promise not only to rejuvenate stagnant markets but also to deliver transformative impact on a global scale.
‘It’s not just Indian startups benefiting; even larger international companies are realising the value of collaborating across borders with Indian partners.’
Chetan Maini
Mastering Cross-Border Collaboration:
5 Tips for Partnering with Emerging Markets
1
Assess Product-Market Fit Thoughtfully
Before jumping into partnerships, take the time to understand how your product or technology aligns with the unique needs and challenges of the emerging market. Look beyond immediate demand—focus on solving long-term problems that matter locally.
2
Partner with Complementary Capabilities
Choose collaborators who bring different but complementary strengths to the table. Avoid overlapping skills that can create competition—instead, seek partnerships that spark creativity and drive innovation through synergy.
3
Ensure Cultural Compatibility
Shared values, work styles, and communication approaches matter. Cultural alignment helps teams collaborate smoothly and resolve challenges effectively, making the partnership stronger and more resilient.
4
Adopt Flexible Financial Models
Understand that partners in emerging markets may prioritize long-term value over quick returns. Explore profit-sharing or risk-reward structures that benefit both sides and encourage investment in shared success.
5
Commit to Long-Term Engagement
View collaboration as an ongoing journey, not a one-time deal. Building trust, adapting together, and maintaining a shared vision are key to sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
About the Interviewees
Dr. Thomas Leiber
Entrepreneur & Innovator in Automotive and Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Thomas Leiber is a renowned entrepreneur and innovator with nearly 500 patents across electric and autonomous vehicle technologies, pioneering the fail-safe brake-by-wire technology now installed in 30% of new cars. With degrees from TU Berlin and from TU Graz (Ph.D) and post-doc studies from Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT), he blends deep technical expertise with strategic insight from McKinsey & Company. Leiber has launched ten companies across five countries, including LSP Innovative Automotive Systems and ipgate AG. The son of ABS inventor Heinz Leiber, he continues the family legacy of breakthrough innovation. He is also an angel investor, startup mentor, and philanthropist supporting renewable energy, education, and medical research through the Leiber Family Foundation.
‘I grew up surrounded by innovation, and now my focus is on building bridges between companies and cultures—turning intellectual property into real-world impact through collaboration, strategy, and future technologies.’
Thomas Leiber
Chetan Maini
Co-founder of SUN Mobility & Pioneer of Electric Vehicles in India
Chetan Maini is a trailblazing entrepreneur best known for developing India’s first electric car, the REVA, in 1999. With degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and Stanford, he has spent over two decades advancing clean mobility. As founder of Reva Electric (now Mahindra Electric) and co-founder of SUN Mobility, Maini holds over 30 global patents in EV energy systems. He has also influenced national EV policy through his work with Indian government boards. Recognized by BBC Top Gear and Businessweek as one of India’s most influential innovators, Maini remains a driving force in global sustainable transport.
‘Innovation and climate have always been at the heart of what I do, and I truly believe that now is the time to make a difference.’
Chetan Maini