Presenting the model of enablers for the formation of knowledge-based ecosystem

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 , Faculty of Business Administration, Emirates Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

2 Department of Business Management, Yadegar Imam Khomeini (RA) Shahrari Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Faculty of Business Management, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

4 Faculty of Business Management, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran.

10.22059/jed.2025.387756.654471

Abstract

Objective: Knowledge-based companies, despite their high importance in the economy, face many problems compared to large companies. For example, they are less likely to be able to get bank loans than large companies. Instead, they rely on internal funding or cash from friends and family to start and grow their companies early. The formation of business ecosystems is considered a very effective approach to the simultaneous growth of start-up companies; However, so far, not much research has been done on the factors affecting knowledge-based ecosystems. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of providing a model of enablers for the formation of a knowledge-based ecosystem.

Method: In terms of orientation, this research is of an applied type, which was carried out with a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) approach. The statistical sample included 25 business management experts, including university professors and managers of knowledge-based companies, which was carried out in a targeted non-random way using the snowball technique. The main tool for data collection in the qualitative part was a semi-structured in-depth interview and in the quantitative part, a paired comparison questionnaire. In order to determine the validity and reliability of the interviews, two methods of retesting and the agreement of two coders were used. Also, for coding, the Etrid Sterling (2001) coding method was used. Qualitative data analysis was done using Max Kyuda software. Hierarchical analysis process has been used in a small part to prioritize enabling factors.

Results: Based on the obtained results, financial factors, government support, environmental factors, cooperation between companies and legal factors were identified as enablers of knowledge-based ecosystem formation. Also, the ranking of these enablers showed that the criterion of financing with a normalized weight of 0.339 has the highest priority, and the criterion of cooperation between companies, legal factors, environmental factors, and government support are in the next priorities, respectively.

Conclusion: Knowledge-based companies should use the services of growth centers and science and technology parks at the beginning; Because such institutions provide companies with financial facilities (however small) with low interest rates. It is also necessary for the startup's management team to do extensive work to find angel investors to solve the company's financial problems. Technology parks and entrepreneurship support centers provide more opportunities for interaction between knowledge-based companies. Also, the active company in specialized and commercial exhibitions can provide a good basis for cooperation between these companies. Also, every year, a large number of training workshops on business law are held by institutions such as science and technology park, and participation in such meetings can improve managers' insight into the legal and legal conditions governing the business environment. It is also suggested that knowledge-based companies use the customer relationship management system to receive feedback from customers so that they can make the necessary changes in the company's products in accordance with the customers' demands, and also to raise more awareness about government facilities for knowledge-based companies so that the managers of such companies To be able to make better use of government facilities and opportunities.

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References

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Journal of Entrepreneurship Development
Volume 18, Issue 1
May 2025
Pages 1-27

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