https://jed.ut.ac.ir/ Journal of Entrepreneurship Development en daily 1 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_104923.html ABSTRACTPurpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence and digital literacy, in enhancing entrepreneurial intentions and behavior among graduate students in a university setting. Focusing on Urmia University as a conducive environment for the development of innovative businesses, this study designs and tests an integrated model in which the impact of technological variables on entrepreneurial constructs is explained through the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the moderating role of perceived social support. In this framework, the study shows that improving digital and technological capacities, along with strengthening psychological and social mechanisms, can pave the way for the formation and development of entrepreneurial tendencies and behaviors among graduate students.Method: This applied study is descriptive-correlational in nature with a quantitative approach. The statistical population consisted of all master’s and doctoral students in the Faculty of Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering at Urmia University during the 2024–2025 academic year (N = 901). Using Cochran’s formula, the sample size was calculated as 269; to increase validity and compensate for potential attrition, 350 questionnaires were distributed, of which 300 valid questionnaires were returned (response rate = 85.7%). Sampling was performed via proportionate stratified random sampling based on degree level and major. Data collection instruments included six standardized and validated questionnaires: the AI Learning Intention Scale (AILIS; Chai et al., 2024), Digital Literacy (Martin, 2008), Entrepreneurial Behavior (Gio et al., 2020), Entrepreneurial Intention (Chen & Linan, 2009), Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (De Noble et al., 1999), and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (Zimet et al., 1988). Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 26.Findings: The SEM results indicated that artificial intelligence and digital literacy have significant positive direct effects on entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behavior. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between technological variables and entrepreneurial outcomes; higher levels of self-efficacy strengthen the impact of AI and digital literacy on these outcomes. In addition, perceived social support positively and significantly moderated the relationship between digital literacy and entrepreneurial self-efficacy—meaning that at higher levels of social support, the positive effect of digital literacy on students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy is enhanced. However, the moderating role of perceived social support in the relationship between artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial self-efficacy was not significant.Conclusion: The findings of this research underscore the fundamental and multifaceted importance of emerging technologies in developing entrepreneurial capacities within university environments. Empowering students in the applications of artificial intelligence and enhancing their digital literacy—when accompanied by strengthening self-efficacy beliefs and creating supportive networks—can significantly lead to the development of entrepreneurial intention and behavior and ultimately the formation of innovative ventures in the university ecosystem. These results necessitate a strategic revision of university policies and educational programs. Practical recommendations include designing and implementing interactive and project-based courses in AI and digital literacy; holding skill-building workshops focused on various dimensions of entrepreneurial self-efficacy; establishing and supporting technology incubators and accelerators; and developing active communication and support networks among students, faculty, and entrepreneurship support institutions. By elucidating the psychological and social mechanisms that influence digital entrepreneurship development, this study provides a theoretical and practical framework for future research and evidence-based decision-making by educational policymakers in university ecosystems. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_103658.html Objective: Today, more than ever, startups need flexibility and creativity to survive. Resilient entrepreneurship is the key that unlocks innovative solutions during crises and charts a path to sustainability for entrepreneurs. The present study aimed to identify and analyze the causes and consequences of resistive entrepreneurship as a creative approach to sustaining startups in crisis.Method: This study employs a descriptive and survey approach for data collection, and is classified as mixed research in terms of typology. The statistical population of the study consists of startup business managers and university professors, 19 of whom were selected as sample members based on purposive sampling and the principle of theoretical saturation. In the qualitative part, the data collection tool was a semi-structured interview, and the validity and reliability of the tool were confirmed using content structural validity (after initial analysis, the findings or interpretations of the interviews were shared with the participants themselves and approved). Additionally, intra-coder and inter-coder reliability were assessed. The data collection tool in the quantitative part is a researcher-made questionnaire, which was confirmed using content validity and test-retest reliability. In the qualitative part of this research, the data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using content analysis and Max-QDA software, and the causes and consequences of resistance to entrepreneurship for the sustainability of start-ups were identified. In the quantitative part of the research, the prioritization of factors and their causal relationships was determined using a fuzzy cognitive map.Findings: The findings indicate that resilience and stress management, access to diverse and multiple markets, growth mindset and flexibility, dynamic competitive environment, learning organizational culture, critical conditions (sanctions, crisis, economic recession), problem-solving skills in crisis, environmental monitoring and foresight, support and backing (network support, government policies), meaningful orientation, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and the ability to use new technologies are effective causes of resistant entrepreneurship. On the other hand, creating sustainable employment in critical conditions, increasing competitiveness, increasing the ability to quickly rebuild, strengthening the culture of entrepreneurship and risk-taking, finding a new position in the market, sustainable growth and survival, attracting high-quality talents, reducing the dependence of start-ups, strengthening flexibility and rapid response, improving creativity and innovation in crisis, increasing investor attraction, strengthening personal and organizational brands, improving resource management, and productivity are also the consequences of resistant entrepreneurship that were identified using content analysis. Also, based on the findings, learning organizational culture, problem-solving skills in crisis, meaningful orientation, resilience and stress management, dynamic competitive environment are the most important factors in resilient entrepreneurship, respectively. Strengthening personal and organizational brand, strengthening flexibility and rapid response, attracting high-quality talents, creating sustainable employment in crisis conditions, and strengthening entrepreneurial culture and risk-taking are also the most important consequences of resilient entrepreneurship in dynamic businesses, respectively, which were determined using fuzzy mapping.Conclusion: Resilient entrepreneurship is known not only as a mechanism for resilience against crises, but also as a transformative and meaningful approach in the modern entrepreneurial ecosystem. The results of this study show that start-ups, relying on capabilities such as learning culture, creative problem solving, psychological resilience, and technology-centricity, are able not only to overcome the crisis but also to transform it into a platform for reconstruction, innovation, and redefining their position in the market. Resilient entrepreneurship is a bridge between survival and growth; a flow that creates opportunities from threats and creates competitive advantage from limitations. Therefore, developing this approach at the policy-making, educational, and structural support levels is an undeniable necessity for the sustainability and resilience of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in crisis conditions. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_103939.html Objective: In the contemporary era, the development of international activities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been recognized as one of the essential factors in the economic growth of various societies. However, in developing countries, traditional financial resources are often insufficient to finance international trade. In this context, the emergence of financial technologies (FinTech) as innovative tools has created multiple alternative sources, including digital currencies, crowdfunding and more. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the role of financial technologies in financing SMEs, to, analyze the impact of these technologies on the internationalization of companies,, and to assess the ancillary aspects of this relationship.Methodology: This research is applied in terms of its goal and qualitative in terms of data collection method. The strategy employed is experts' interviews. The sample studied consists of 11 companies that have used financial technologies for international trade, selected as the statistical population. Data collection was conducted through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with CEOs, investment managers, specialists, and individuals involved in project financing. The data obtained were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Ultimately, a conceptual model was created to organize and integrate the research findings, comprising four sections: requirements, benefits, challenges, and outcomes of utilizing financial technologies in the internationalization of SMEs.Research Findings: The findings indicate that the use of modern financial technologies such as digital currencies, crowdfunding, and currency risk management provides companies with opportunities to enhance the accuracy and speed of financial transactions, increase resilience against currency market fluctuations by accessing new financial resources, and improve competitive positions in the international trade landscape through greater transparency and security in financial processes. Additionally, to structure the data obtained from previous literature reviews and conducted interviews, the ancillary aspects of the relationship between financial technologies and international trade are classified into four sections: (1) Requirements, including investment in infrastructure and employee skill enhancement, (2) Benefits, including cost reduction and increased security and transparency, (3) Challenges, including regulatory and legal barriers such as anti-money laundering laws and lack of digital infrastructure, and (4) Outcomes, including revenue growth and an increase in the number of successful international projects.Conclusion: Given the financial needs of SMEs and the necessity of optimizing resources and reducing costs for entering and maintaining a position in the global market, this study aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the impact of financial technologies on international trade in a conceptual framework. This framework identifies various aspects from pre-implementation to post-implementation. The most critical of these include investment in infrastructure and employee skill enhancement as vital requirements, and regulatory and legal barriers such as anti-money laundering laws as key challenges in the adoption and use of these technologies.All applications have been discussed. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_104283.html Objective: Knowledge-based economy is recognized as one of the main pillars of sustainable development and a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship in today’s world. The competitive advantage of countries is no longer primarily dependent on natural resources; rather, technological capabilities, the level of innovation, and the quality of knowledge-based infrastructure are considered the main determinants of national success. In this context, countries that can efficiently allocate their limited resources toward knowledge and technological development are capable not only of increasing productivity but also of creating the necessary environment for the growth of innovative and knowledge-based entrepreneurial activities. Therefore, assessing the efficiency of the knowledge-based economy in comparison to other countries holds not only theoretical importance but also practical and policy relevance for managers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Despite the high significance of this topic, a review of the literature indicates that most previous studies have been limited to simple Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models and have treated the internal structure of the knowledge-based economy as a black box. In response to this gap, the present study aims to design a systematic, multi-stage model capable of evaluating the efficiency of countries’ knowledge-based economies with greater precision, taking into account their internal complexity and multi-dimensional structure.Method: In this study, three fundamental stages in the realization of a knowledge-based economy were first identified using the Results-Based Management (RBM) approach. These stages correspond to short-term, medium-term, and long-term results. For each stage, a set of input and output indicators was selected based on a thorough review of literature, analysis of international reports such as KAM, GII, and GKI, and consultation with both domestic and international experts. The indicators were categorized according to a hierarchical structure and thematic overlap to enable the use of advanced models. Subsequently, a multi-layer Data Envelopment Analysis (Multi-layer DEA) model was employed. Given the multi-dimensional nature of the knowledge-based economy and the multiplicity of indicators, this model provides greater discriminative power compared to classical DEA models and ensures that essential expert-selected indicators are maintained while the computational precision of the analysis is preserved. The study’s data pertains to 25 developing countries, including Iran, for the period 2016–2020, with averages calculated over the five years. The designed model allowed for the evaluation of countries’ efficiency both at each stage and in overall terms, enabling a comprehensive comparison among the selected countries.Results: The results indicate that Iran outperformed the average of the examined countries across all three defined stages. In the first stage, which represents the short-term outcomes of the knowledge-based economy, Iran achieved high efficiency by utilizing its existing institutional, human, and infrastructural capacities more effectively than its peers. In the second stage, which reflects medium-term outcomes, Iran’s efficiency score slightly decreased but remained above the average level of the other countries. In the third stage, encompassing long-term outcomes, Iran’s performance was relatively lower compared to the previous stages; however, it still exceeded the average of the selected countries. When considering overall efficiency, Iran obtained the highest score among the countries analyzed. This superiority is not only attributable to its high performance in individual stages but also reflects a relative balance across all three stages. In contrast, some countries demonstrated strong performance in one or two stages but had lower overall efficiency due to a lack of balance among the stages. Overall, the multi-layer analysis, which considers the hierarchical structure of indicators, not only overcomes the limitations of simple DEA models in handling numerous indicators but also facilitates the identification of strengths and weaknesses of each country at various stages of knowledge-based economic development.Conclusion: This study, by presenting a conceptual framework based on the Results-Based Management approach and utilizing a multi-layer DEA model, takes a significant step forward in evaluating the efficiency of national knowledge-based economies. Unlike previous studies, which assessed the knowledge-based economy as a black box, this research analyzes its internal components across three separate stages to clarify the contribution of each stage independently. The results demonstrate that Iran not only achieved the highest overall efficiency but also maintained a relative balance across the three stages, a factor that is crucial for achieving sustainable development. This balance indicates that Iran has been able to manage its resources in a way that simultaneously improves short-, medium-, and long-term outputs. Practically, the findings of this study can serve as valuable guidance for policymakers and planners. From an entrepreneurial perspective, the study highlights the critical importance of a knowledge-based economy in creating a stable foundation for the ...................... https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_103577.html Objective: Entrepreneurial coaching is a developmental intervention designed for entrepreneurs at various stages of the entrepreneurial process, based on a collaborative relationship with a professional coach. The significance of entrepreneurial coaching lies in its ability to enhance resilience and improve performance outcomes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Entrepreneurial coaching capabilities refer to structured support and guidance provided to entrepreneurs to enhance their decision-making, leadership, and overall business performance. Given that SMEs are recognized as key drivers of economic growth, effective coaching has become increasingly critical in helping these businesses navigate complex market challenges and capitalize on opportunities for innovation and expansion. This research aims to develop a model of entrepreneurial coaching capabilities.Methodology: This applied research employed a meta-synthesis method based on document analysis. The seven-step framework of Sandowski and Barroso (2007) was used to conduct the study. The research parameters included the following: research questions ("What are the entrepreneurial coaching capabilities for coaches?" and "What are the entrepreneurial coaching capabilities for mentees?"), target population (Scopus database), study timeframe (2012–2025), and research method (internet-based search strategies). The keywords used in this study included capability, coaching, entrepreneurial coaching, entrepreneurial coaching capability, and SMEs. The search yielded a total of 3,456 keywords from English-language articles. A total of 62 articles were selected as the sample. The CASP tool was used to evaluate the studies. Additionally, Holsti’s reliability coefficient method was employed to assess the reliability of the meta-synthesis in terms of the coding performed. Through the extraction of concepts and the implementation of coding procedures, an expert panel consisting of three academic specialists was formed. This panel reviewed the initial codes and categories, ultimately proposing a conceptual framework of the categories.Findings: This study analyzed the model of entrepreneurial coaching capabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The dimensions and components of the model were identified and extracted using the meta-synthesis method. The meta-synthesis results revealed that existing literature categorizes entrepreneurial coaching capabilities into two dimensions: the coach and the Coachee. At the end of the open coding process, 262 concepts were labeled. During the axial coding phase, upon re-examining the concepts, sub-categories were identified and categorized. In the selective coding stage, the components identified in the axial coding phase were analyzed and classified into 14 main dimensions. The coaches' capabilities comprised six dimensions: entrepreneurial skills, psychological capabilities, strategic capabilities, operational capabilities, cognitive capabilities, and knowledge—encompassing 20 components and 103 indicators. The coaches' capabilities included eight dimensions: specialized knowledge, skills, operational capabilities, emotional capabilities, communication capabilities, functional capabilities, personal capabilities, and cognitive capabilities—consisting of 33 components and 159 indicators. Finally, the relationships between these capabilities were categorized into four key capability groups: Knowledge and Skill Transfer, Psychological Growth, Strategic Empowerment, Support and Personal Development.Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that entrepreneurial coaching profoundly impacts coachees' success through four key capabilities: strategic empowerment, psychological growth, knowledge and skill transfer, and support and personal development. Among these, strategic empowerment serves as the core, playing a decisive role in guiding entrepreneurs' practical actions, while psychological growth and personal support provide the necessary foundation for resilience and motivation. Knowledge transfer bridges theory and practice. This dynamic interaction among capabilities ensures the effectiveness of coaching in SMEs. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_104027.html Objective: Entrepreneurial passion is considered one of the main drivers in the formation and development of new businesses. This concept is not limited to financial incentives, but rather encompasses a set of characteristics and internal tendencies that enable entrepreneurs to face challenges, take more risks, and turn their ideas into action. .Methodology: This study was applied and conducted with a mixed approach (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative stage, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts from Lorestan University and coded using content analysis. Subsequently, the qualitative findings were used as the basis for designing a paired comparison questionnaire, and in the quantitative stage, the resulting data were analyzed using the fuzzy cognitive mapping method to determine the importance and relationships between factors. The present study is based on mixed research and is qualitative and quantitative in the inductive deductive paradigm, which is applied in terms of purpose, descriptive survey in terms of nature and method, and exploratory in terms of data collection method. The statistical population of the present study is experts consisting of managers and professors of Lorestan University, of whom 15 were considered as a research sample using purposive sampling and based on the principle of theoretical adequacy entrepreneurial enthusiasm, people who have theoretical and practical knowledge related to this concept and T a closed questionnaire based on a matrix of paired comparisons, the rows and columns of which are the factors affecting entrepreneurial enthusiasm, was provided to the sample members in person and online, and they were asked to respond to it based on a 5-point Likert scale. In this study, in order to analyze the data in the qualitative part, the content analysis approach and coding method using MaxQDA software were used to identify the factors affecting entrepreneurial enthusiasm, and in the quantitative part, the fuzzy cognitive map method was used to prioritize these factors. The validity of the data collection tool in the qualitative part was confirmed using relative content validity (ratio 1) with a coefficient of 0.77. Also, in order to measure the reliability of the interview, the intra-coder and inter-coder reliability methods were used. In the coding process, the coding was checked once by the researcher himself (within the coder) and the second time, another expert (between the coders) was asked to check the accuracy of the coding using the Cohen's Kappa test. Comparison of the results of the intra-coder and inter-coder reliability and the coefficient of 0.89 for the Cohen's Kappa test in the inter-coder section indicated confirmation of the reliability of the interview.Findings: The qualitative section showed that the key antecedents of entrepreneurial enthusiasm include "commercialization of research, development of new businesses and startups, development of entrepreneurial skills in others and creation of job opportunities, increased revenue generation for the university/organization, increased international reputation and standing, innovation in the organization or university, solving social problems, promoting industry-university relations, increasing motivation and job satisfaction." In the quantitative section, fuzzy cognitive map analysis indicated that "competitive environment, access to financial and infrastructure resources, supportive organizational culture and leadership support, existence of learning opportunities, successful past entrepreneurial experiences, strong networking and communication, need for self-actualization and independence, identification of market opportunities, competitive environment, organizational flexibility" play a role as the most important consequences of entrepreneurial enthusiasm.Conclusion: The findings of this study show that paying attention to entrepreneurial enthusiasm can pave the way for the growth of start-up businesses, the promotion of entrepreneurial skills, job creation, and improved organizational performance. Therefore, the results of the study can be used in educational policies, support programs, and the development of entrepreneurial culture in universities and related institutions. Entrepreneurial enthusiasm, as the main driving force in the creation and development of innovative businesses, plays a vital role in the individual success of entrepreneurs and the performance of organizations. This study showed that antecedents such as commercialization of research, development of entrepreneurial skills in individuals, and creation of job opportunities pave the way for strengthening entrepreneurial enthusiasm and empower entrepreneurs in facing challenges and risks. On the other hand, consequences such as a competitive environment, limited access to resources, and a supportive organizational culture have a direct impact on the motivation, behavior, and performance of entrepreneurs and work teams and provide conditions for growth and innovation in the organization. The research findings emphasize the importance of creating support structures, reward and performance evaluation systems, targeted training in entrepreneurial skills, and taking advantage of innovative opportunities. . . https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_104728.html ABSTRACTObjective: Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic and socio-cultural development in societies. The cottage industry, with its unique capabilities, provides a suitable platform for women's entrepreneurship. Through the production of high value-added handmade products, this industry plays an effective role in economic and social development, preserves cultural identity, and holds export potential. The flexibility and creative nature of the cottage industry have created significant opportunities for women. Although scattered studies have been conducted in this field, no integrated model has been presented. Therefore, the objective of this research is to identify the factors influencing women's entrepreneurship in this industry and to develop a model based on relevant resource-based, institutional, and social network theories.Method: The present study employs an interpretive approach and utilizes the meta-synthesis method. Metasynthesis, as a qualitative research method, allows for the inference of new results by analyzing and combining the findings of related studies. In this regard, the seven-step model developed by Sandelowski and colleagues (2006) was applied. The research questions revolve around the following axes: women's motivations, necessary resources, process components, supporting factors, challenges, and advantages. Subsequently, a search was conducted in the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases using various combinations of the keywords "Cottage/Handicraft industry," "Women/Female entrepreneurship," and "developing countries" within the timeframe of 2014–2024. The search was limited to articles published in English-language journals. The extracted articles were screened according to the PRISMA algorithm, and the quality of the remaining articles was assessed and scored based on CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) criteria. A total of 166 articles with a score above 31 were included in the research process. Content analysis was used to identify, examine, and extract patterns in the articles. Findings: Based on a systematic content analysis of 166 selected articles, six main categories were identified and classified, including: motivations, essential resources, key processes, supportive factors, and challenges. In this analysis, 24 core themes and 72 open codes were also extracted. Then, by using these codes and relying on related source-oriented, institutional and social network theories, a model for women's entrepreneurship in the home handicraft industry was developed. A key finding of this research is the provision of a new framework for understanding the seemingly contradictory relationship between tradition and innovation. This approach both preserves cultural authenticity and enables competitiveness in modern markets.Conclusion: This study employs a metasynthesis approach to identify and analyze key components, resulting in an integrated, interdisciplinary model of women's entrepreneurship in the homemade industry. The model addresses a theoretical gap in prior research, which lacked an integrated vision, by combining metasynthesis findings with resource-based, institutional, and social network theories. The findings reveal that women's entrepreneurship in this industry is a complex and dynamic phenomenon, which can only be fully understood through a holistic and systematic perspective. The model, therefore, illustrates the interplay of individual (micro-level), network (meso-level), and institutional (macro-level) factors.Through this process, six core categories and 24 central themes were identified, forming the structure of women's entrepreneurship in this sector. These components are: Motivations: Encompassing economic, social, and psychological dimensions. Challenges: Including barriers related to resources, human resources, technology, competition, marketing, infrastructure, the institutional environment, and a lack of social capital. Resources: Comprising both tangible and intangible assets such as human, psychological, social, and financial capital. Processes: Involving innovation within tradition, identification of actors and their roles, and core versus support activities. Supporting Factors: Including backing from formal and informal institutions. Advantages: Leading to the sustainable development of women's entrepreneurship in the homemade handicraft industry. Ultimately, based on these themes and the integrated theories, a comprehensive model of women's entrepreneurship in the homemade handicraft industry has been developed. The present model revealed mediating and moderating mechanisms that had been less addressed in previous studies. This model emphasizes that the success of women's entrepreneurship in the cottage industry, in addition to internal resources and capabilities, is affected by social networks (mediators) and institutional context (moderators). On the other hand, by identifying various challenges, this research shows that policymaking and planning in this area should be multidimensional and systematic. Finally, the model of this research not only covers the theoretical gap in existing research, but also provides a clear path for future research by providing testable propositions, as well as practical guidance for policymakers, support institutions, and women entrepreneurs themselves. In particular, simultaneous attention to cultural, economic, social, and institutional dimensions in the form of an integrated model can lead to sustainable development in the cottage industry and empowerment of women entrepreneurs. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_104887.html Objective: Organizational entrepreneurship is one of the types of corporate entrepreneurship focused on the dimensions of intrapreneurship and strategic entrepreneurship and is vital and necessary for the emergence of innovation in organizational functional and performance strategies. Focusing on the conceptualization of entrepreneurship based on value creation, generativity is a socio-technical system whose design and implementation within any organization will lead to value creation and ultimately organizational entrepreneurship. The most important feature of the generativity phenomenon is the adoption of a systemic approach and the assumption of an open system in the dynamic economic equilibrium of the Austrian school, as the main economic school supporting entrepreneurship in focusing on the value-creating minds of creative and innovative individuals. In this regard, and in the entrepreneurship literature, an emerging discourse called generativity has been formed, and researchers, by adopting a systemic approach in the research study method of the creativity phenomenon, have sought to apply this concept in providing research and operational solutions for the development of organizational value creation. Describing what generativity is and how the generativity process works for all stakeholders in an organization will be a way to unlock the potential of that organization in achieving innovation goals for organizational entrepreneurship.Method: Based on the lack of conceptual development of the phenomenon of generativity in the entrepreneurship literature and especially the discourse of organizational entrepreneurship, this study, while reviewing documents related to organizational generativity from the literature of entrepreneurship research, information and technology management, and organization management, by adopting an interdisciplinary study approach, has additionally reviewed the literature of the systems paradigm in order to identify the principles and characteristics mentioned for socio-technical systems. In this regard, the article, by adopting a qualitative and conceptual study approach to develop the concept of organizational generativity, has reviewed 23 related articles using the document meta-synthesis research method and has achieved its research findings by extracting analytical codes for the concept of organizational generativity in the form of platforms and socio-technical systems.Findings: The article, while achieving a systematic analytical framework to identify the components, principles, and characteristics of socio-technical systems, has undertaken an analytical comparison of documentary texts from the literature of organizational management, information technology management, and entrepreneurship to explain and examine the systemic concept of the generativity phenomenon. The findings of this research, in addition to extracting an analytical framework of systems engineering methodology for socio-technical systems discussed in the humanities, point to a conceptual development framework for the phenomenon of organizational generativity and a reconceptualization of the structure of organizational generativity.Conclusion: Finally, this study considers the concept of organizational generativity in the proposed framework as "directed to a socio-technical system that, with multiple configurations of the three elements of technical, process, and human, leads to emerging combinations of means-ends relationships in the form of system architecture as combinatorial innovations that supported by institutional and human enabling factors, while they are referred to as values. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_105225.html Objective: The convergence of digitalization and sustainability is reshaping modern business, highlighting new entrepreneurial forms like Algorithmic Entrepreneurship (AE) the automation or augmentation of core entrepreneurial functions by intelligent systems. While the potential of AE and related digital technologies to advance sustainable development is widely acknowledged, the precise mechanisms through which they foster sustainable outcomes remain empirically unexamined and theoretically underexplored. This study addresses this critical gap by investigating the relationship between AE and Multilateral Sustainable Development (MLSD), defined as the firm-level achievement of balanced economic, social, and environmental value for multiple stakeholders (e.g., shareholders, society, employees). It proposes and tests a model where this relationship is critically mediated by Data-Driven Entrepreneurship (DDE) the practice of using data analytics as a foundational resource for creating and managing ventures. The central research question examines this mediating pathway, hypothesizing that AE positively influences DDE, which in turn positively influences MLSD.Method: This study employed a quantitative, deductive research approach with a cross-sectional survey design to test the hypothesized model. Data was collected from 500 founders and senior managers of technology-based SMEs and startups operating in Tehran, Iran, a key regional entrepreneurial hub. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling approach to ensure proportional representation across industry sectors and firm sizes. The measurement instrument was a structured questionnaire with all items rated on a seven-point Likert scale. Key constructs were measured using validated scales adapted from prior literature: a 5-item scale for AE, a 5-item scale for DDE, and a 9-item scale for MLSD, which was operationalized as Triple-Bottom-Line (TBL) performance. A rigorous three-stage validation protocol—including an expert content validity panel, a meticulous translation/back-translation procedure, and a full psychometric assessment—ensured the instrument's robustness. The model was tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).Results: The measurement model demonstrated excellent reliability and validity, meeting all standard criteria for quantitative research. Internal consistency was confirmed with Cronbach’s Alpha and Composite Reliability values exceeding the 0.70 threshold for all constructs. Convergent validity was established with Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values well above 0.50 , and discriminant validity was confirmed via the Fornell-Larcker criterion and Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) ratios, which were all below the 0.85 threshold. The structural model analysis revealed significant findings, and all four hypotheses were supported. A strong positive effect of AE on DDE was found (β=0.600,p<0.001), supporting H2. DDE, in turn, had a strong positive effect on MLSD (β=0.501,p<0.001), supporting H3. Crucially, a significant and positive indirect effect of AE on MLSD through DDE was confirmed (β=0.301,p<0.001), supporting the mediation hypothesis (H4). The direct effect of AE on MLSD also remained significant (β=0.199,p<0.001), establishing DDE's role as a partial mediator. The model successfully explained a substantial 54.8% of the variance in MLSD.Conclusion: This study concludes that Data-Driven Entrepreneurship (DDE) is a crucial, partial mediator in the positive relationship between Algorithmic Entrepreneurship (AE) and Multilateral Sustainable Development (MLSD). The primary finding is that while AE offers direct sustainability benefits, its full potential is realized by fostering the data capabilities that translate algorithmic insights into measurable triple-bottom-line outcomes. Algorithms act as analytical engines, but DDE provides the strategic framework necessary for value creation. This research contributes to the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT) by framing AE and DDE as critical, hard-to-imitate organizational capabilities for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in a digital world. Practically, the findings advise entrepreneurs to strategically pair algorithmic tools with a robust data-centric culture to drive sustainable innovation. For policymakers, it highlights the need to support digital ecosystems through funding and infrastructure while establishing clear ethical guidelines to ensure responsible technological progress. Key limitations include the context-specific sample and cross-sectional design, pointing to future research needs in diverse settings and with longitudinal data to establish causality. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_105095.html Objective: The goal of the present research is to examine the role of the Third-Generation University in nurturing competent graduates from the perspective of Human Resource Architecture. By analyzing this role, strategies can be presented for the design and implementation of a smart human resource system in which talents flourish and entrepreneurial competencies are nurtured. Therefore, the present research will address the role of the third-generation university in nurturing competent graduates from the perspective of human resource architecture.Methodology: The present research has adopted an inductive-qualitative approach and utilized the Systematic Review method, employing the Oakley and Schabram (2010) framework, to deeply examine the role of Human Resource Architecture in Third-Generation Universities toward nurturing competent graduates.The steps of the present research include: determining the goal and research questions; preparing the search protocol using the PRIZMA standard; conducting a comprehensive search in the Scopus database with specified keywords; screening articles based on title, abstract, and journal quartiles Q1 and Q2; assessing the quality of articles using the CASP checklist; extracting data through thematic analysis with an inductive approach; and finally, synthesizing and presenting the findings in the form of main and sub-conceptual codes. It should be noted that to ensure the concepts of graduates' competency, human resource architecture, and third-generation university were present in the articles under review, the title, abstract, and keywords were initially checked in the documents, and an effort was made to prioritize articles most relevant to the research components in the search strategy. Furthermore, due to the limited resources, no time restriction was considered for the search period. Ultimately, the initial sample of articles extracted in the primary search, without screening, was 567 articles. After screening, a final set of 29 articles was obtained.Findings: The results indicate that this architecture is based on three fundamental pillars (Input, Process, and Output): Competent Executors (faculty and administrators), Synergistic Functions, and Competent Graduates who possess entrepreneurial capacity. First, competent executors, particularly faculty members and administrators, serve as the driving force (Input) of this transformation. Faculty members are no longer merely knowledge transmitters but are mentors, innovators, and entrepreneurs who foster creativity and problem-solving skills in students through innovation in teaching methods and the development of students' psychological capital. This approach necessitates a shift in the mindset of faculty members and their alignment with entrepreneurial visions. Alongside them, university administrators, by adopting a strategic architecture, transform Human Resources into a tool for creating sustainable competitive advantage. The findings emphasize that management must be based on individual competencies and psychological traits so that the workforce ultimately becomes a strategic factor in macro decision-making. Second, synergistic functions, including education, research, and technology (Process), must move away from traditional approaches. Education must shift toward developing employability and entrepreneurial skills, eliminating the gap between education and labor market needs through curriculum redesign. Emphasizing the practical aspect of education and utilizing modern teaching methods, such as active learning, is the key to success in this area. Furthermore, research must move beyond the theoretical state and directly address societal problems by focusing on converting ideas into practical solutions. Finally, technology acts as an enabling platform, not only facilitating the digital transformation of education but also revolutionizing university management by providing data to support strategic decisions. These two processes, in conjunction with each other and within the existing contextual framework, lead to the creation and development of competent graduates—graduates who possess the ability, knowledge, and skills to enter the business world and entrepreneurship, create value, and leave a lasting impact. Thus, based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the third-generation university, with an approach based on Human Resource Architecture across the three stages of Input, Process, and Output, will be able to nurture a generation of graduates who, in addition to educational, research, and technological competencies, are also equipped with entrepreneurial competencies and utilize them practically.Results and Conceptual Model: The research findings indicate that Human Resource Architecture is a comprehensive and dynamic concept that extends beyond traditional staff management processes. This integrated architecture, aimed at aligning all components including university administrators, functions, and graduates, enables universities to transform into flexible, innovative, and influential organizations in today's complex environments. Success in this path requires a profound transformation in management and educational attitudes and approaches. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_105361.html In the challenging and volatile environment of developing economies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face structural, institutional, and environmental challenges that make it difficult for them to innovate, improve performance, and achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Despite having entrepreneurial tendencies, dynamic human capital, and growth incentives, many of these enterprises are unable to transform their potential capacities into effective innovation and sustainable performance. In such circumstances, attention to the role of contextual factors and multifaceted support resources, especially informal financial support, technological infrastructure, and the social desirability of the business brand, has become increasingly important. These factors are recognized as critical inputs in creating competitive advantage and can fundamentally transform organizational performance by strengthening social trust, facilitating access to resources, and enhancing technological capabilities. The present study aims to investigate the direct and indirect effects of these three factors on firm performance, using a combined approach of quantitative and qualitative analyses, and attempts to identify and explain diverse causal paths to achieving high performance and sustaining competitive advantage. This study is of an applied and developmental type and, using a causal-combination approach, seeks to present a multi-path model for analyzing organizational performance in small and medium-sized firms. The statistical population of the study includes senior managers of firms active in the Iranian market who were selected based on specialized criteria. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and validated with reliability tests (Cronbach's alpha), convergent and divergent validity (AVE index), and measurement model fit (Fornell-Larcker and SRMR). Data analysis was conducted at two complementary levels. At the first level, structural equation modeling with partial least squares approach (PLS-SEM) was used to measure direct relationships, moderating effects, and fit of the conceptual model. This analysis examined the effect of informal financial support as an independent variable, through the mediating variables of social desirability and technological support, on entrepreneurial performance. At the second level, fuzzy sets analysis (fsQCA) was performed to discover causal combinations of success, using causal equivalence logic. This analysis examined necessary, sufficient, and combined conditions simultaneously by determining consistency thresholds (0.900) and frequency (26), and calculating three types of cost-effective, intermediate, and complex solutions. Findings from the structural model showed that the two factors of social desirability and technological infrastructure have a direct and positive effect on organizational performance, while informal financial support appeared mainly indirectly and through strengthening other influential factors. The results of the fsQCA analysis also showed that the performance of small and medium-sized businesses is not influenced by one factor, and there is no single path to success; rather, different combinations of financial, technological, and social conditions can lead to the same result, namely, high performance. Specifically, although informal financial support was identified as a necessary condition for success, firms can achieve high performance through two different paths: the first path involves the combination of informal financial support and social desirability in the absence of technological support, which has high validity with a consistency of 0.900 and a raw coverage of 0.503; the second path consists of informal financial support and technological support in the absence of social desirability, which is accompanied by a consistency of 0.915 and a raw coverage of 0.491. The sum of these two paths has a total coverage of 0.621 and a total consistency of 0.886, strengthening the theoretical, empirical, and practical validity of the model in identifying combinations that affect high performance. In conclusion, the present study shows that in changing and challenging environmental conditions, the simultaneous and targeted use of informal and technological supports, along with brand social desirability and the promotion of knowledge and network capacities, can pave the way for innovation and sustainable competitive advantage. Also, the integrated approach of quantitative and fuzzy analyses has provided a deeper understanding of causal relationships, the logic of organizational performance, and success mechanisms, which can be generalized in future studies. The research findings contain important theoretical implications for the development of multilevel models of organizational success and provide practical strategies for executives and business policymakers. Among other things, it is recommended that managers pay special attention to the capacities of informal and technological support networks, enhance the social standing of their brand, and use integrated approaches for analysis, decision-making, and design of executive actions. Based on the findings of this research, policymakers can design multifaceted, context-based, and flexible support programs that help strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial performance and increase the ability of firms to adapt to environmental changes and create sustainable value. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_105682.html Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of AI-based tools and technologies on innovation management in factories and industrial environments. In today's competitive world with dynamic markets, organizations that can quickly adapt to environmental changes and strengthen their innovation capabilities are more successful. One of the main drivers of change in modern industries is AI technology, which has the ability to analyze big data, learn from patterns, and provide intelligent solutions and can play a role in all stages of the innovation process. This study aims to identify key areas of AI's impact on innovation, examine the relationship between management and technological factors, and ultimately provide a conceptual model to explain these effects. The proposed model helps managers optimize their organization's innovative strategies by more accurately understanding the challenges, benefits, and success factors in the field of AI. Method: This research is of an applied type and was conducted using a descriptive-survey method. The statistical population consisted of managers, experts, and specialists working in various industries in Iran who have experience in the field of organizational innovation and digital technologies. To collect this data, a standard questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability was used, which was distributed and completed by 317 people. In data analysis, SPSS software was first used for descriptive analysis, and then SmartPLS software was used for structural equation modeling based on the partial least squares method (PLS-SEM). To evaluate the validity of the final model, indicators such as composite reliability, Cronbach's alpha, convergent and divergent validity, average variance extracted (AVE), and coefficient of determination (R²) were examined. Findings: The findings of this study show that artificial intelligence tools have very positive and significant effects on innovative management in industrial environments and factories. Among the most important of these effects are the improvement of decision-making speed and accuracy, faster identification of market needs, improvement of human resource productivity, and reduction of product development costs. In addition, the use of intelligent algorithms increases the flexibility of production systems in the face of demand fluctuations and has paved the way for faster innovation in product design. The coefficient of determination of the model was calculated to be 31%, which indicates the relatively favorable power of the model in explaining the dependent variables. The relationships between the variables are statistically significant and the reliability of the constructs has also been confirmed at an acceptable level. The results indicate that the combination of intelligent technologies with creative management can be the driving force of innovation in factories. Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the strategic role of artificial intelligence as one of the main transformative factors in innovation management. In today's industrial world, which is witnessing the transition from the fourth to the fifth era, organizations need to rethink their traditional approaches to survive and be competitive, and the use of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, is a good way to start this transformation. The results of this research show that the successful integration of artificial intelligence technology with management policies can lead to increased flexibility, creativity, and even the ability of the organization to respond quickly to environmental changes. In conclusion, it is suggested that managers should look at the issue of artificial intelligence and innovation with a strategic, forward-looking and long-term perspective and should consider investment in this area as one of their key priorities. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_105763.html Objective: In many developed countries, the basic education system is designed to foster an entrepreneurial society; one where individuals learn responsibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills. In such an educational process, students learn to identify and describe problems in their surrounding environment and ultimately strive to select the best solutions. This educational process is not independent of the culture and background of societies but is highly dependent on the context and domain of implementation. In Iran, despite some sporadic innovations, no sustainable connection has been established between basic education and the cultivation of entrepreneurial citizens. This research, adopting a genealogical approach, examines problem-solving education as one of the core pillars in the formation of entrepreneurial citizens throughout the history of Iran’s basic education system. Method: Iran’s basic education system, influenced by various political and social factors and an uneven historical development, has acquired particular complexity. Exploring its issues necessitates considering diverse and multifaceted dimensions. The persistence of unresolved educational challenges and the significant gap between policies, objectives, and official documents on the one hand, and practice on the other, indicate fundamental and deep-rooted issues that cannot be addressed without taking historical factors into account. Genealogy, by historicizing phenomena, identifies their historical forms and diverse discourses, and challenges their taken for granted aspects. Instead of seeking linear explanations, the genealogical method focuses on how forces and power relations are formed. The understanding gained through this approach provides a suitable tool for critiquing the current situation. Findings: The results indicate that Iran’s basic education has not followed an evolutionary and continuous path; rather, it has been influenced by discourses and random changes. The framework developed in this study summarizes the current situation through propositions such as: 1) Instability of discourses, 2) Sporadic and case-based development of problem-solving ability,3) Historical discontinuities in the actions of the basic education system, 4) The precedence of power interests over the development of problem-solving components, and 5) Lack of balance in the development of problem-solving components. These propositions have been categorized and directed within a three-layer conceptual framework into equivalent reform propositions for the basic education system, ultimately aiming to foster entrepreneurial citizens. These citizens are:- Creative in terms of their mindset, nurturing novel ideas, approaching and redefining problems, envisioning the future, questioning, and breaking free from fixed patterns.-Innovative in designing new solutions, implementing them, and collaborating in teams,-Responsible in accepting the consequences of their decisions, pursuing solutions, and engaging in participatory practices. Conclusion: Recreating Iran’s basic education system requires the formation of a balanced and sustainable discourse on teaching the three-stage component of problem-solving ability and liberation from the dominance of power interests . The proposed conceptual framework can serve as a foundation for policymaking aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial citizens and transitioning toward an entrepreneurial society. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_105952.html Objective: Improvisation, as one of the key capacities of entrepreneurs, plays a fundamental role in managing uncertainty and dealing with unpredictable situations. If entrepreneurs are unable to adopt appropriate improvisational strategies in the face of economic crises, their businesses will encounter multiple negative consequences. Firstly, failure to respond promptly and effectively to unpredictable market dynamics can result in the loss of vital opportunities and increased risk of failure. Additionally, organizations may suffer from strategic confusion, resource wastage, and weakened operational efficiency. One of the most important solutions to these challenges is leveraging improvisational skills and developing creative and flexible strategies. However, the mechanisms and patterns of entrepreneurial improvisation and their impact on business success during crises are not yet fully elucidated in the Iranian entrepreneurship literature. Therefore, identifying and analyzing the improvisational strategies of Iranian entrepreneurs in the face of economic crises is regarded as a research necessity. Accordingly, the objective of the present study is to identify and prioritize the improvisational strategies employed by entrepreneurs (owners/managers of businesses) in various industries across the northern provinces (Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan) when confronting economic crises. Method: Methodologically, this research employs a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) approach. The qualitative phase utilizes thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke’s model), while the quantitative phase relies on a survey—specifically, the best-worst method. In the qualitative phase, the statistical population consists of university professors and entrepreneurs (owners/managers of businesses) from various industries in the northern provinces (Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan), with 15 participants selected through snowball sampling. The quantitative phase includes 20 entrepreneurs (owners/managers of businesses) from these provinces. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews in the qualitative part and a multi-criteria decision-making questionnaire in the quantitative part. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis via MAXQDA 2021, and quantitative analysis was conducted using the best-worst method in EXCEL 2016 and LINGO software. Results: The main themes extracted as improvisational strategies of entrepreneurs in response to economic crises include five core themes: 1) Resource recombination and bricolage, 2) Rapid and experimental decision-making, 3) Flexibility and pivoting, 4) Networking and leveraging relationships, and 5) Continuous learning from experience, alongside the identification and introduction of 10 sub-themes. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs and decision-makers in the business domain, enabling them to enhance the effectiveness of their responses and policies under crisis conditions. The successful experience of entrepreneurs in applying improvisational and fivefold strategies offers a foundation for designing practical solutions and intelligent policy-making. Familiarity with these strategies enables business managers to adopt creative and flexible responses in the face of pressure and constraints. Training and reinforcing improvisational skills, rapid decision-making, optimal use of available resources, and network development increase organizational survival under uncertainty and strengthen resilience. Furthermore, encouraging continuous learning and utilizing experience offer opportunities for strategic adaptation and ongoing improvement. The results of this study can assist policymakers in developing targeted support programs; policies that provide entrepreneurs with opportunities for agile experimentation and innovation facilitate the adoption of alternative solutions and reduce bureaucracy in times of crisis. Supporting the creation of business interaction networks and facilitating access to specialized consulting are other positive outcomes that should be considered in policy-making. These findings also serve as a roadmap for consultants, helping clients to optimize decision-making and crisis response processes based on the components of improvisation. Training in organizational flexibility, resource innovation, network management, and documentation of successful and unsuccessful experiences play a vital role in improving consultancy effectiveness. Ultimately, the results of this study can serve as a strategic framework for enhancing the resilience and dynamism of the entrepreneurial ecosystem against unpredictable economic crises and pave the way for the growth and development of entrepreneurship. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_105993.html entrepreneurial attitudes and behavior in students. Ambiguity tolerance, flourishing and entrepreneurial attitude are as cognitive and personality traits that role paling in tendency to entrepreneurial behavior. Therefore the present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mental imagery on increasing tolerance for ambiguity, flourishing and Entrepreneurial Attitude in Second high School Students. Method: Method of quasi-experimental and pre-test, post-test and a 2 months follow-up design was used. The population included senior female students in region 1 of Tehran in 2025. using purposeful sampling, 40 participants who met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned to two groups of mental imagery or control, n1=n2=20. Research tools were the questionnaires of McLain’s (2009) ambiguity tolerance, Diener, & Biswas-Diener’s (2008) flourishing, and Robinson et al’s (1991) Entrepreneurial Attitude which were administered in three stages for two groups and O’Shea & Moran’s (2019) mental imagery intervensions to the experimental group during 12 weekly, 90- minute sessions and data were analyzed using mixed repeated measures analysis variance and SPSS- 23. Results: The results showed that the interventions based on mental imagery can decrease ambiguity tolerance, flourishing and Entrepreneurial Attitude in Second high School Students and the effect of interaction of time and intervention in increasing ambiguity tolerance 59%, flourishing 54% and Entrepreneurial Attitude orderly were 59%, 54% and 64%. Also the results of Bonferroni follow-up test showed the effect of intervention of mental imagery on increasing ambiguity tolerance, flourishing and Entrepreneurial Attitude in experimental group and this effect remained stable at follow- up (P<0.01). Conclusion: The results showed evidence that using a mental imagery can increase ambiguity tolerance, flourishing, and entrepreneurial attitude of Second high school students and this changes remained after 2 months. In mental imagery interventions, participants create new and acceptable thoughts and behaviors that decrease their anxiety and worries. Participants learn that in coping with ambiguous situations, don’t percept threatening and to accept them as part of self-life and instead of trying to eliminate uncertainty, appropriately accept ambiguity and find new solutions when coping with complex problems and Use a flexible and appropriate thinking style in interpreting events. Also the results indicated that the intervention based on mental imagery increase flourishing of Second high school students and this changes remained after 2 months. Since academic flourishing is a life with growth, fertility, flexibility and academic well-being it is nurtured in conditions without worry and internal conflict. Mental imagery techniques such as mental rotation techniques, mental screening, relaxation and cognitive reprocessing helped participants that don’t just think about a specific topic, image, or thought, Rather, can decrease their worries and internal conflicts by replacing positive thoughts and mental images with negative thoughts and mental images and Provide conditions for nurturing capacities and flourishing. In addition, the results indicated that the intervention based on mental imagery increase entrepreneurial attitude of Second high school students and this changes remained after 2 months. Mental imagery interventions reinforce entrepreneurial attitude by influencing individuals' emotions in the decision making process in high risk situations. In the mental imagery package, interventions such as restructuring dysfunctional thoughts and images helped participants that can develop their positive thoughts, create effective images for their job future and become more preparation for high risk in business and continue an effective and constructive attitude in entrepreneurship. Therefore, considering the effectiveness of the mental imagery in increasing ambiguity tolerance, flourishing, and entrepreneurial attitude of students, it is recommended that entrepreneurship education instructors use this package. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_106064.html Objective: This study aims to explore the women experiences through establishing small family businesses. Despite the increasing emphasis on family businesses and their global expansion—and even the growing body of Iranian research on various aspects of such enterprises— few studies have examined the role of women, their motivations for entering this business type, the associated challenges and opportunities, and its broader implications for women. This study seeks to address this research gap. Method: Employing a qualitative research design, this study utilised thematic analysis as its primary methodological approach. The research was conducted in Isfahan, focusing on small local family businesses. Due to the lack of comprehensive statistics regarding their number, quality, and geographical distribution, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed to identify participants. This was facilitated through direct engagement in ets selling home-based business products in Isfahan. The study participants comprised 40 women operating in three distinct sectors: food, clothing, and handicrafts. These women held primary responsibility for their businesses and conducted their economic activities alongside at least one family member, relative, or non-relative, either within or outside the home. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, conducted in person or via telephone, and analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step thematic analysis framework with the assistance of MaxQDA software. Standard validation techniques were applied to ensure the reliability of the findings. Furthermore, all phases of data collection and analysis adhered strictly to ethical considerations and the protection of participants' rights. Results: The results indicated that starting a family business stemmed from a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The most significant intrinsic motivations for women were personal interest and enthusiasm, as well as educational and family background. The primary extrinsic motivations included the need for financial survival, profit-making through identified opportunities, and the flexibility offered by this business model. The findings further revealed that women's entry into the economic arena through small family businesses presents a dual-faced reality; while it provides advantages and opportunities, it also introduces significant challenges. Nevertheless, most participants believed that engaging in small family businesses enhanced their sense of empowerment and improved their quality of life across economic, social, and psychological dimensions. Conclusion: Based on the study's findings, it can be concluded that the initiation of small family businesses by women is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon driven by a blend of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. Although this entrepreneurial path entails specific challenges, the support network provided by the family and the inherent flexibility of the business model create a platform where its empowering outcomes ultimately outweigh the difficulties. These outcomes position women as active and effective participants in both family and community economies.These outcomes position women as active and effective participants in both family and community economies. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_106138.html Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of different types of entrepreneurial motivations on the digitalization of established businesses in selected MENA countries. Furthermore, by incorporating the variable “sustainability orientation”, the study examines a new relationship among these three variables. In fact, digitalization and sustainability orientation interact and are best studied as related phenomena. This study shows whether the relationship between the four entrepreneurial motives and digitalization in established businesses in selected MENA countries is moderated by entrepreneurs’ sustainability orientation. Finally, given that digitalization as a type of entrepreneurial action is inherently dependent on the economic and social context of society, and this context can be weak or strong in different countries, this study examines the differences in the impact of different types of entrepreneurial motives on the digitalization of established businesses separately in selected MENA countries. Method: This research adopts an analytical-correlational design with a quantitative approach. To test the research hypotheses, a multiple regression technique has been employed. The statistical population consists of established entrepreneurs who participated in the 2022 international Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey in selected MENA countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Iran, Morocco, and Tunisia (sample size: 1,414). In addition, the “country” variable was entered into the regression models as a dummy variable, allowing for cross-country comparisons. However, for the multi-items variable of " sustainability ", the Composite Reliability (CR) method was also used along with Cronbach's alpha method . On the other hand, two types of validity (convergent validity and divergent validity) were examined in this study. One of the important indicators in assessing convergent validity is the Average Variance Extracted (AVE). While, to examine divergent validity, The Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT) was used, which was introduced as a new criterion by Hensler, Ringel, and Sarstedt in 2015. This index is constructed based on the average correlation between different indices. Finally, in this study, two indices of tolerance and Variance Inflation Factor) VIF) were used to assess Collinearity Statistics between independent variables. Results: The results of the multiple regression analysis show that the motivations of “making a difference in the world” and “To build great wealth or very high income” are the main drivers of digital technology adoption in established businesses in the selected MENA countries. In contrast, the motivation of “To continue a family tradition” and the motivation of “To earn a living because jobs are scarce” have no significant impact on digitalization in these businesses across the studied countries. Moreover, while sustainability directly exerts a positive effect on the digitalization of established businesses in MENA, its interaction with the motivations of “making a difference in the world” and “To build great wealth or very high income” reduces this effect. The findings further reveal that these two motivations have the weakest impact on digitalization in Iran and the strongest impact in Qatar, compared to Saudi Arabia as the reference country. Conclusion: The study indicates that established MENA entrepreneurs motivated by “making a difference in the world” are more likely to digitalize their businesses. Similarly, since digitalization enhances efficiency, profitability, and reduces operational costs, established MENA entrepreneurs motivated by “increasing wealth or income” also tend to adopt digital technologies. However, the findings also highlight that MENA entrepreneurs are not necessarily willing to adopt digital technologies at any cost. According to the sustainability orientation paradox—identified as the most important innovative contribution of this study—MENA entrepreneurs motivated by “making a difference in the world” and “increasing wealth or income” who also demonstrate a stronger sustainability orientation, tend to pursue less digitalization in their businesses. In fact, the negative consequences of excessive digitalization, such as higher energy consumption and the generation of electronic waste, discourage such entrepreneurs from further adoption of digital technologies. In addition, the results show that, compared to the reference country (Saudi Arabia), the level of digitalization in established businesses in Iran, Tunisia, Morocco, the UAE, and Qatar is lower. For instance, the level of digitalization in Iran is significantly lower than in Saudi Arabia, indicating a serious challenge in cultural adoption and digital infrastructure in the country. Implications: Based on these findings, it is recommended that policymakers, entrepreneurship development institutions, innovation centers, and universities in the MENA region place greater emphasis on identifying, supporting, and encouraging entrepreneurs motivated by “making a difference in the world” and “increasing wealth or income”. Furthermore, the promotion of digital entrepreneurship education with a stronger sustainability orientation should be given higher priority in policy and practice. https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_106139.html Objective: The primary objective of this research is to identify and analyze the institutional voids that affect the development of digital entrepreneurship within the context of online shopping platforms in Iran. Institutional voids are defined as gaps in formal and informal structures, such as laws, regulations, social norms, and economic infrastructures, that can either hinder or facilitate entrepreneurial activities. This study seeks to understand how these voids impact the behavior and performance of digital entrepreneurs, particularly in the realm of e-commerce platforms. The focus of this research is on identifying factors such as legal weaknesses, lack of technological infrastructure, limitations in access to financial resources, and cultural-social barriers that can obstruct the growth of digital businesses. Furthermore, this study aims to provide solutions for improving the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem by examining these voids, which can assist policymakers, platform managers, and entrepreneurs in strengthening this domain. This research is particularly significant in emerging markets like Iran, which face unique institutional and economic challenges, and it seeks to contribute new insights to the existing literature on digital entrepreneurship and institutional theory. Method: This research is qualitative in nature and was conducted with the aim of identifying institutional voids affecting the development of digital entrepreneurship within the context of online shopping platforms in Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 digital entrepreneurs, who were selected using a snowball sampling method to achieve theoretical saturation. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on the approach of Braun and Clarke (2006). This method involved manual coding, categorizing codes, and extracting main and sub-themes, resulting in the identification of 9 main themes and 42 sub-themes related to institutional voids. To ensure validity, the researcher triangulation method and expert validation of codes were used. Reliability was also calculated using inter-coder agreement between two coders, which showed a reliability percentage of 82%. The interviews were recorded with the informed consent of the participants, and their identities were kept confidential to maintain anonymity. The thematic analysis provided an accurate identification of institutional challenges and offered deep insights into the barriers to digital entrepreneurship. Results: This study identified institutional voids affecting the development of digital entrepreneurship on online shopping platforms in Iran across three dimensions: regulatory, cognitive, and normative. These voids were categorized into three main groups: 1. Legal and Regulatory Voids: These include a lack of clear laws regulating e-commerce activities, absence of legal frameworks to protect intellectual property rights, tax and licensing issues, legal ambiguities, bureaucratic obstacles, monopolization by large companies, lack of tax transparency, and policymakers’ unawareness of digital needs (with 8 sub-themes for Rule of Law Voids, 3 sub-themes for competition and monopoly, 9 sub-themes for government policies and administrative procedures, and 4 sub-themes for political distance). 2. Infrastructural and Technological Voids: These involve low internet speed, limited access to advanced technologies, problems with online payment systems, shortage of skilled professionals, weak technical infrastructure, and lack of expertise among policymakers (with 4 sub-themes for lack of literacy and skills, 3 sub-themes for technological complexity, and 4 sub-themes for cognitive distance). 3. Cultural and Social Voids: These include cultural resistance to online shopping, lack of public trust in digital platforms, weak digital skills among consumers and entrepreneurs, bribery, and lack of administrative transparency (with 3 sub-themes for lack of transparency and corruption, and 4 sub-themes for cultural and social barriers). These voids not only affect the performance of platforms but also influence entrepreneurs’ behavior and strategic decision-making, leading some entrepreneurs to rely on informal networks and personal relationships to fill these gaps. These challenges increase transaction costs, reduce trust, and limit innovation, thereby hindering the growth of digital entrepreneurship. Conclusion: This study identified key institutional voids that impact digital entrepreneurship within online shopping platforms in Iran. Utilizing thematic analysis of interviews with digital entrepreneurs, the research revealed significant challenges across three dimensions. Regulatory voids, such as ambiguous laws and bureaucratic hurdles, increase transaction costs and reduce entrepreneurs’ confidence. Cognitive voids, including a lack of digital skills and inadequate technological infrastructure, limit the exploitation of digital opportunities. Furthermore, normative voids, like social resistance to digital businesses and corruption, undermine public trust and operational efficiency. Collectively, these voids hinder the growth and sustainability of digital entrepreneurship in the studied context. The findings underscore the necessity of targeted institutional reforms to foster a supportive environment for digital entrepreneurs. Keywords: Institutional voids, digital entrepreneurship, online shopping platforms, thematic analysis https://jed.ut.ac.ir/article_106460.html ABSTRACT Objective: The concept of external enabler has been proposed as an alternative construct to entrepreneurial opportunities in entrepreneurship literature. External enablers are distinct, external circumstances -such as political and regulatory changes, demographic and social shifts, and new technologies- that can play essential roles in creating and/or enabling start-ups. Based on their inherent nature, the external enablers framework sequentially activates heterogeneous mechanisms, roles and characteristics within the entrepreneurial venture creation process. Specifically,artificial intelligence(AI) as a technological enabler that interacts with the human factor, affects the entrepreneurial venture-creation process. Through a systematic analysis of existing studies, this research identifies the enabling dimensions of artificial intelligence and presents a coherent conceptual framework in this field. Method: This research serves an applied purpose and utilizes a meta-synthesis approach for data collection. The study follows the three-stage model proposed by Xiao and Watson (2019). The initial research population included 713 studies up to August 2025, identified through forward and backward citation methods, with a focus on the pivotal study by Chalmers et al. (2021) on artificial intelligence as an external enabler. Following the screening process, 28 articles were selected for data extraction, analysis, and synthesis. Results: This study analyzed the enabling dimensions of artificial intelligence in the entrepreneurial venture creation process. The dimensions and components were identified and extracted based on the meta-synthesis method.The process of data analysis and coding resulted in the extraction of 35 first-order concepts, which were aggregated into 19 second-order themes. These themes were categorized into four main themes: “mechanisms”, “roles”, “characteristics” and “nature of tasks”, elucidating the enabling dimensions of AI in the entrepreneurial venture creation process within a coherent conceptual framework. Mechanisms represent the ways AI exerts influence, which include mechanisms of “knowledge and information resources development”, “individual and cognition resources development”, “creation”, “substitution”, “risk and uncertainty reduction”, “legitimation”, “opportunity discovery or demand development”, “enclosure”, “combination” and “conservation and compression”. Roles define the degree of AI’s agency alongside the human agent, which can operate in three forms: replacement, integration and augmentation. The characteristics of AI specify the features of its algorithms based on two dimensions: agency intensity and transparency. Finally, all three dimensions of AI enablers-mechanisms, roles, and characteristics- are activated differently at each stage of the entrepreneurial venture creation process, depending on the nature of the tasks or performance expectations. Conclusion: The present research indicates that artificial intelligence, as a technology enabler, has four dimensions: mechanisms, role, characteristics and nature of tasks.By providing a coherent conceptual framework of the enabling dimensions of AI, this study lays the groundwork for future empirical research by formulating hypotheses. It also outlines a comprehensive research agenda in this area by identifying and categorizing research gaps. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Entrepreneurial venture creation process, external enablers, enabling dimensions.