Journal of Entrepreneurship Research

Journal of Entrepreneurship Research

Conceptualizing the Ecosystem of Digital Entrepreneurship in Iran: An Attempt to Develop Sports Startups

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Pejman Golara 1
Fahimeh Adibsaber 1
Mehran Nasiri 2
1 Department of Physical Education, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.
2 Department of Physical Education, Bandar Anzali Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Anzali, Iran.
10.22034/jer.2025.2049577.1242
Abstract
Introduction: The development and success of start-ups, especially sports start-ups, have attracted extensive attention due to their novelty, and many researchers are trying to identify the problems and strategies for the success and failure of start-ups. Existing evidence highlights the disorganized state of the sports entrepreneurship ecosystem in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to revise the structural and functional systems of the ecosystem in the sports industry. Start-ups can be particularly effective in creating employment in Iran, as a significant number of its young and educated population are unemployed. The purpose of this research was to conceptualize the ecosystem model of digital entrepreneurship with an emphasis on the development of sports start-ups in Iran.
Methodology: This qualitative research was systematically conducted using grounded theory. Participants included researchers and university professors specializing in entrepreneurship and start-ups, owners of start-ups (especially failed ones), and sports entrepreneurs. Interviewees were purposefully selected until theoretical saturation was reached (15 participants). The research tool was semi-structured exploratory interviews. The validity of the tool was evaluated and confirmed based on practical merit, legal and scientific validity of the sample, expert opinions, and consensus among evaluators. Data were analyzed using a multi-stage conceptual coding method (open, axial, and selective) based on grounded theory.
Findings: The final conceptual framework comprises 76 components, 30 dimensions, nine perspectives, and six main categories. These were identified from research on technology and innovation, research and development as causal conditions, the ecosystem of digital sports entrepreneurship as the central phenomenon, government support and laws, access to capital as contextual factors, acceptance of failure and a learning culture as intervening factors, networking and strategic collaborations, marketing and customer acquisition as strategies, and the development of digital entrepreneurship and the launch of start-ups as outcomes.
Conclusion/ Implications: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the regulations for establishing digital entrepreneurship and sports start-ups should be simplified to allow entrepreneurs to begin their activities with greater ease. Financial sponsors should be engaged to support the growth of sports start-ups in the digital field, ensuring the necessary financial resources are available. Furthermore, for the continued success of sports start-ups in digital entrepreneurship, stakeholders such as universities and knowledge-based groups should foster collaboration and networking. By creating cohesive work teams, they can deliver high-quality services to their customers. 
Keywords
Sports Ecosystem
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Digital Entrepreneurship
Sports Startups

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 02 January 2025
  • Revise Date 06 January 2025
  • Accept Date 06 January 2025