Analyzing Causal Relationships of Success Factors in Corporate Accelerators Using the DEMATEL Method: A Practical Approach to Innovation Management

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Full Professor, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 New Business Department, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

4 New Business Group, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: Corporate accelerators are recognized as strategic tools for accelerating innovation and the growth of startups within organizations. Designed as targeted programs, accelerators help organizations speed up the development and growth processes of startups and innovative internal units, creating added value through these innovations. Corporate accelerators not only act as mechanisms for accelerating innovation but also provide a suitable platform for improving business and technological processes. The success of these programs is influenced by various factors that need to be identified and prioritized accurately. The aim of this research is to examine and prioritize the factors affecting the success of corporate accelerators.

Method: This research was conducted using the DEMATEL multi-criteria decision-making approach. DEMATEL is used to identify and analyze causal relationships between various factors in complex systems. For this purpose, 14 criteria affecting the success of corporate accelerators were initially identified through a literature review and a survey of 8 experts and managers of corporate accelerators in Iran, conducted using the snowball sampling method. Then, using the DEMATEL method, the causal relationships among these criteria were analyzed, and the results were presented quantitatively. This method allowed us to identify the key factors that have the greatest impact on the success of accelerators and to analyze the influence and susceptibility of each criterion more precisely.

Findings: The results showed that among these factors, "the process of evaluating and selecting startups," "the team involved in the acceleration program," and "the selection of suitable mentors" are among the most important factors influencing the success of accelerators. In contrast, "the number of involved mentors" and "the performance of business partners" were identified as susceptible factors influenced by the impactful factors.

Conclusion: By identifying and prioritizing the factors affecting the success of corporate accelerators, this research helps managers and decision-makers in this field to optimize their acceleration programs by focusing on key factors, ultimately increasing the success rate of startups and achieving organizational innovation goals. Additionally, managerial and operational solutions for improving the performance of accelerators have been proposed. Based on the results of this research, it is suggested that managers of corporate accelerators pay more attention to several key aspects. First, the process of evaluating and selecting startups should be conducted accurately and in multiple stages to select the best teams for the acceleration program. Strengthening and training the executive teams can also help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of acceleration programs. In this regard, using experienced and specialized mentors in each industry can play a crucial role in guiding and growing startups. Furthermore, establishing regular and periodic feedback systems can help accelerators improve their processes and make necessary changes to their programs if needed.Keywords: corporate accelerator; entrepreneurship; accelerator; startup; entrepreneurial ecosystem

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Entrepreneurship Development
Volume 18, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 213-234

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