Publicação
Growth methods in educational technology : insights from german edtech companies in the european market
| Resumo: | EdTech companies in Germany are growing in a highly fragmented market with institutional decision-making structures and high demands on trust and regulation. At the same time, it remains unclear how organic growth, inorganic growth (M&A) and alliances in the EdTech context differ in terms of reasons, challenges and effects on innovation and strategic evolution. This thesis examines these growth methods and answers three research questions regarding reasons, challenges and effects. The corporate growth strategies and the distinction between growth methods serve as the theoretical framework. This thesis uses eight expert interviews and a structuring qualitative content analysis according to Mayring (2023). The results show that in Germany organic growth is primarily associated with control, stability and cultural coherence. Organic growth is limited by speed and resource constraints. Inorganic growth is primarily described as a lever for faster scaling, market entry and portfolio expansion. PMI, coordination efforts and cultural fit are framed as key challenges. Special characteristics of the German EdTech market, such as strong regulation and the federal structure of the education system, have a significant influence on growth in the EdTech sector. In terms of innovation, organic growth is seen as feedback-driven and more qualitative in nature. Acquisitions can accelerate innovation through the purchase of features and skills, but they may create conflicts of priority. Alliances provide access, knowledge and reputation but require the management of dependencies. The analysis points to a phase-related sequencing in which organic growth often creates the basis for later collaborations or selective M&A. |
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| Autores principais: | Petri, Louis |
| Assunto: | Growth methods Educational technology Edtech Métodos de crescimento Tecnologia educativa |
| Ano: | 2026 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade Católica Portuguesa |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Veritati - Repositório Institucional da Universidade Católica Portuguesa |
| Resumo: | EdTech companies in Germany are growing in a highly fragmented market with institutional decision-making structures and high demands on trust and regulation. At the same time, it remains unclear how organic growth, inorganic growth (M&A) and alliances in the EdTech context differ in terms of reasons, challenges and effects on innovation and strategic evolution. This thesis examines these growth methods and answers three research questions regarding reasons, challenges and effects. The corporate growth strategies and the distinction between growth methods serve as the theoretical framework. This thesis uses eight expert interviews and a structuring qualitative content analysis according to Mayring (2023). The results show that in Germany organic growth is primarily associated with control, stability and cultural coherence. Organic growth is limited by speed and resource constraints. Inorganic growth is primarily described as a lever for faster scaling, market entry and portfolio expansion. PMI, coordination efforts and cultural fit are framed as key challenges. Special characteristics of the German EdTech market, such as strong regulation and the federal structure of the education system, have a significant influence on growth in the EdTech sector. In terms of innovation, organic growth is seen as feedback-driven and more qualitative in nature. Acquisitions can accelerate innovation through the purchase of features and skills, but they may create conflicts of priority. Alliances provide access, knowledge and reputation but require the management of dependencies. The analysis points to a phase-related sequencing in which organic growth often creates the basis for later collaborations or selective M&A. |
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