Journal of Entrepreneurship Research

Journal of Entrepreneurship Research

Presenting a Model for Organizational Entrepreneurship Development with an Open Innovation Approach in Ilam Gas Refinery

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Ali Rostami 1
Mohamad Rasool Almasifard 2
Mohsen Yarahmadi 2
1 Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Economics and Accounting, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
2 Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
10.22034/jer.2024.2013173.1055
Abstract
Introduction: The presence of an entrepreneurial orientation within organizations provides them with dynamic capabilities that lead to greater innovation and the achievement—as well as sustainability—of competitive advantages. The open innovation approach emphasizes that organizations should effectively leverage external innovations and market-driven ideas alongside their internal innovations. Accordingly, the primary objective of this research is to design a model for the development of corporate entrepreneurship with an open innovation approach at the Ilam Gas Refinery.
Methodology: The present study utilized the grounded theory method as a qualitative research approach. The target population included experts in entrepreneurship and innovation management from both academic and professional backgrounds, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 30 participants, comprising faculty members of Razi University in Kermanshah and senior managers at Ilam Gas Refinery. The data were subsequently analyzed following the systematic approach proposed by Strauss and Corbin.
Findings: The findings revealed that causal conditions include aggressive competition, entrepreneurial opportunism, knowledge acquisition, development of innovation resources, and reduced imitation costs. Contextual conditions encompassed organizational digital literacy, human resource commitment and participation, innovation-oriented policy-making, flexibility of organizational boundaries, and a culture of creativity. Intervening conditions involved factors such as open-data culture, the extent of government oversight, level of governmental financial support, prevailing perspectives on foundational collaborations, and intellectual property exchange processes. Strategies identified included strengthening internal and external collaborations, developing external communication networks, upgrading technological infrastructure, improving entrepreneurial behavior indicators, active participation in environmental innovation networks, and effective knowledge management. Expected outcomes from implementing this model consist of innovation governance within organizational processes, enhanced organizational learning capacity, effective management of market turbulence, improved innovative performance, and the consolidation of sustainable competitive advantages.
Conclusion/Implications: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that fostering organizational entrepreneurship through an open innovation approach requires synergy and fundamental collaboration among key actors within the open innovation ecosystem, along with the adjustment or reinforcement of specific structural variables. Accordingly, organizational decision-makers can facilitate the necessary conditions for achieving this goal by considering the identified factors and implementing appropriate policies. 
Keywords
Organizational Entrepreneurship
Open Innovation
Innovation Ecosystem
Governance Oversight
Innovation Management

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 08 October 2023
  • Revise Date 06 March 2024
  • Accept Date 06 March 2024