https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/ Journal of Entrepreneurship Research en daily 1 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_715483.html Introduction: The transition from startup to scale-up represents a critical and decisive phase for establishing a solid foundation for exponential business growth. Success during this transition significantly impacts return on investment and revenue growth, while also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the enterprise. Therefore, understanding the factors that facilitate a successful transition is the essential first step in planning and implementing effective measures. This study aims to explore the key factors affecting the business transition from the startup phase to the scale-up stage.Methodology:  In terms of objective, this is an applied study. Given its nature, it employs a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) research design based on a sequential exploratory approach. Data were collected through descriptive and field-documentary research. The methodology involved inductive content analysis and the Fuzzy Delphi method for screening and prioritization. The study population comprised key informants, including faculty members in entrepreneurship with relevant expertise, startup founders undergoing or having completed the transition, scale-up owners, mentors, and experts/planners from relevant organizations within the national startup ecosystem.Findings: The analysis initially yielded 144 conceptual elements. Following a process of screening and prioritization, 131 of these were validated as conceptual codes, while 13 were excluded. The validated concepts were organized into 14 distinct categories: 1) Continuous environmental scanning and analysis, 2) Defining a clear vision and appropriate goals, 3) Addressing legal, regulatory, and ownership matters,4) Developing and consistently reviewing the marketing plan, 5) Capabilities of team members and the founder’s leadership and managerial skills, 6) Refining the business model and value proposition, 7) Establishing an effective structure and optimal allocation of tasks and activities, 8) Strengthening the social and cultural capital of the team, 9) Building adequate financial capabilities with a focus on cost efficiency, 10) Instituting processes for team learning and empowerment, 11) Providing suitable infrastructure, processes, and technologies, 12) Overcoming mental barriers to change within the team, 13) Selecting the optimal timing for scaling, and 14) Networking and engagement with supporting and sponsoring institutions.Conclusion/ Implications: Theoretically, this research deepens the understanding of the factors driving the startup-to-scale-up transition, clarifying the distinctions between the startup and scalability stages. It provides a framework for successfully managing this critical process. The findings also establish a useful foundation and impetus for future research in this domain. Practically, the results can assist entrepreneurs in formulating effective strategies for scaling their ventures. From a policy perspective, the study offers valuable insights for officials and policymakers within the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, supporting improved decision-making and planning to foster a more conducive environment for business growth and scaling. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_722825.html Introduction: The automotive industry, a cornerstone of the global economy, increasingly demands a workforce equipped with creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial competencies. Coaching has emerged as a potent methodology for skill enhancement and capability building. This study aims to develop and propose a comprehensive coaching model specifically designed to foster entrepreneurial capabilities within the automotive sector.Methodology: This qualitative study employed a grounded theory approach, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews to gather rich data. The participants were 12 purposefully selected experts, recruited through snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. The sample comprised two distinct groups: (1) industry practitioners specializing in production management, quality control, production planning, and marketing within the automotive cluster; and (2) academic scholars with expertise in entrepreneurship management, industrial management, marketing, and production management. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA 2020 software, following the systematic coding paradigm of grounded theory.Findings: The qualitative analysis yielded 316 open codes, which were systematically organized into six core dimensions of the paradigm model: causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, the core category, strategies, and consequences. The core category, termed the "Entrepreneurial Empowerment Coaching Model," is structured into four main components (mentee characteristics, mentor characteristics, coaching actions, and the development of entrepreneurial empowerment) encompassing 20 subcategories. The analysis revealed that causal conditions are driven by both internal and external drivers. Contextual conditions were defined by educational/technological factors and cultural/organizational factors. Intervening conditions were categorized into intra-organizational and intra-individual interventions. The proposed implementation strategies include two primary streams: supportive strategies for entrepreneurial values and strategies for education and development of entrepreneurial skills. Finally, the consequences of this coaching model were identified across 11 subcategories, grouped into individual-level and organizational-level benefits. Conclusion/ Implications: This research addresses a significant theoretical gap by providing a holistic, empirically-grounded coaching model for entrepreneurial capability development in the complex context of the automotive industry. The findings underscore the multidimensional nature of empowering entrepreneurial coaching, demonstrating the necessity of concurrently addressing individual, organizational, and environmental factors. By precisely delineating the causal, contextual, and intervening factors, along with the corresponding strategies and outcomes, this study offers a practical and operational framework for designing and implementing effective coaching programs. The results highlight the critical importance of cultivating a supportive organizational culture, investing in technical and educational infrastructures, and focusing on nurturing entrepreneurial skills at both micro and macro levels. This framework serves as a valuable guide for managers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and HR professionals seeking to enhance entrepreneurial capabilities and drive innovation within the automotive industry. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_720157.html Introduction: Women entrepreneurs are vital agents of economic growth and entrepreneurial development worldwide. Despite their critical role in achieving sustainable development goals, they encounter pervasive and multifaceted barriers. Gender-based discrimination and stereotypical beliefs significantly impede women's entrepreneurial motivation and capacity. This study aims to identify and analyze the key constraints affecting women entrepreneurs' ability to recognize and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, ultimately seeking to provide a framework that can enhance women's economic participation and address female unemployment.Methodology: This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative phases for a comprehensive analysis. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 purposefully selected experts, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, yielding 51 indicators organized into 12 core components. For the quantitative phase, a simple random sample of 170 respondents was drawn from a population of 425 women entrepreneurs working within pharmaceutical companies, using Cochran's formula. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS23 and Smart PLS3 software.Findings: The qualitative analysis identified eight primary categories of gender-related constraints affecting entrepreneurial opportunity recognition: social, cultural, economic, educational, legal, behavioral, personality, and individual limitations. The quantitative results confirmed these findings, revealing significant negative impacts of all eight constraint categories on women's entrepreneurial opportunities. The strongest effects were observed for social limitations (β = -0.578), followed by cultural limitations (β = -0.429), economic limitations (β = -0.408), educational limitations (β = -0.346), legal limitations (β = -0.297), behavioral limitations (β = -0.215), personality limitations (β = -0.189), and individual limitations (β = -0.138).Conclusion/Outcomes: This research makes a significant contribution by providing a comprehensive, empirically-grounded model of the multidimensional constraints facing women entrepreneurs. The findings underscore that despite women's acknowledged potential in sustainable development, they continue to encounter systemic barriers that complicate their full participation in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of how social, cultural, and structural factors intersect to shape women's entrepreneurial experiences. The proposed model offers a localized yet broadly applicable framework for policymakers, business support organizations, and entrepreneurial educators. By identifying the specific constraint categories with the greatest impact, this study provides actionable insights for designing targeted interventions to foster an enabling environment for women-owned businesses. Such efforts are essential for increasing women's contribution to national economies, addressing unemployment, and enabling women to create sustainable employment opportunities for themselves and others. The model's comprehensiveness and future-oriented perspective position it as a valuable tool for advancing both theoretical understanding and practical support for women's entrepreneurship. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_722794.html Introduction: In today's complex economic environment, a company's profitability and long-term sustainability hinge upon selecting and implementing an effective competitive strategy. To secure customer satisfaction, firms must strategically leverage knowledge, managerial capabilities, and employee expertise to drive innovation and deliver differentiated products and services. Concurrently, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a source of competitive advantage, enabling socially-oriented companies to gain legitimacy within both society and the marketplace while contributing to sustainable development goals through enhanced customer satisfaction. This study investigates the impact of innovation, differentiation strategy, and CSR on corporate profitability. Furthermore, it examines the moderating role of differentiation strategy in the relationship between CSR and company profitability. Methodology: The statistical population of this study comprised all companies actively listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. A sample of 166 firms was selected through screening, and their data were analyzed over a ten-year period from 2013 to 2022. Multiple regression analysis was employed to test the research hypotheses, utilizing Excel and Eviews software for data analysis. Findings:  The results, confirmed at a 95% confidence level, demonstrate that innovation exerts a significant positive effect on both differentiation strategy and return on assets (ROA). Additionally, differentiation strategy and corporate social responsibility each have a significant positive impact on ROA. Recognizing the conceptually distinct nature of CSR compared to innovation and differentiation strategy, the analysis of competitive strategy's moderating role revealed that differentiation strategy significantly moderates the relationship between corporate social responsibility and return on assets. Conclusion/ Implications: This research provides several actionable insights for corporate stakeholders. It is recommended that company managers foster innovation in products, services, and production processes through comprehensive employee training, investment in modern machinery and equipment, and cultivation of an organizational climate that encourages collaborative thinking and synergy. Shareholders and financial analysts are encouraged to disclose information regarding the company's competitive strategy to investors, enabling more informed securities trading decisions. Marketing managers should continuously monitor market trends and evolving customer preferences, developing strategic plans to meet and exceed customer expectations by leveraging consultant expertise and adopting contemporary marketing approaches. Furthermore, analysts should incorporate corporate social responsibility indicators when determining share trading values. Finally, companies should establish dedicated committees to oversee social responsibility activities in alignment with their mission and vision, ensuring strategic coherence and accountability. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_724937.html Introduction: In recent years, the role of mental health in shaping the quality of entrepreneurial decisions and behaviors has garnered increasing scholarly attention. This study investigates the impact of cognitive abilities on entrepreneurial intention, with a specific focus on the moderating role of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among university students.Methodology: This research is applied in purpose, employs a survey-descriptive method for data collection, and is quantitative in nature. The statistical population comprises all students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Kurdistan, in 2024 (N = 3500). A sample of 346 students was determined using the Morgan table. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire developed by international entrepreneurship scholars. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.84. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) via SMART PLS (Version 3) and SPSS (Version 26). Findings: The results indicate that specific cognitive capabilities—namely, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial alertness, and risk-taking—have a significant positive effect on students' entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that ADHD moderates the relationship between these entrepreneurial capabilities and entrepreneurial intention. Notably, ADHD was found to strengthen the influence of all three cognitive capabilities on entrepreneurial intention. A key finding that distinguishes this study from prior research is the reinforcing effect of ADHD on the relationship between self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. This suggests that, under similar conditions, students with ADHD may leverage their self-efficacy more effectively to form entrepreneurial intentions compared to their peers without the disorder. Conclusions/Implications: The findings of this study provide a foundation for designing and revising entrepreneurship education programs, particularly for individuals with ADHD from childhood and adolescence. Targeted educational interventions can help mitigate potential discrimination against individuals exhibiting symptoms of this disorder. By harnessing specific ADHD-related traits—such as passion, creativity, and risk-taking—through appropriate education, their potential can be channeled toward entrepreneurship and business development. Furthermore, such individuals, equipped with suitable training, can contribute their creativity and ingenuity to organizational settings, thereby fostering corporate entrepreneurship. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_724750.html Introduction: In recent years, as Iran has grappled with a water crisis, saffron cultivation has emerged as a particularly advantageous product due to its low water consumption. The concept of green entrepreneurship aligns with related notions such as biosphere entrepreneurship and eco-friendly entrepreneurship. Biosphere entrepreneurship, in particular, values the earth, mitigates the negative effects of climate change, and prevents environmental degradation—including deforestation, overuse of natural resources, and depletion of land reserves. Green entrepreneurship in the domain of saffron cultivation is a multidimensional and complex concept, with varied and sometimes contradictory views regarding its nature and characteristics. There is currently no consensus on its constituent elements and components. Therefore, the aim of this article is to explain the concept of "green entrepreneurship in the domain of saffron cultivation" based on Grounded Theory, employing a situational analysis approach.Methodology: This study is grounded in the interpretive paradigm and follows an inductive approach. In terms of its fundamental objective and the nature of its data, it is considered qualitative research utilizing situational analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 10 saffron farmers from villages surrounding Yasuj. The sampling method was purposive (criterion-based), and the sample size was determined by theoretical saturation of the categories. For data analysis, in addition to conducting three-stage open, axial, and selective coding, Clarke's situational analysis method was employed. The data were examined through five types of maps: messy situational, ordered situational, relational, social arenas/worlds, and positional maps.Findings: The results revealed that under favorable climatic conditions for saffron cultivation, and where an entrepreneurial culture is embedded in the thoughts, beliefs, and lifestyle of villagers, entrepreneurship in this domain yields positive outcomes, including increased income and job creation. This economic advantage has contributed to improved economic well-being in the region and among its residents, particularly rural women. Furthermore, the findings indicated that when organizations provide entrepreneurs with production possibilities and effective training by experts, it helps preserve natural resources, enhance productivity, and prevent the waste of government and national resources and capital. Conclusion/ Implications: Based on the experiences of entrepreneurs, green entrepreneurship in saffron cultivation has generated diverse economic and cultural effects. Cultivation of this product has reduced unemployment and increased family income. Risk-taking and progressive individuals, by engaging in saffron cultivation, have been able to culturally and economically prepare the people of the city and surrounding villages to embrace entrepreneurship, particularly in this field. The advantages of saffron cultivation have led local residents to directly purchase and consume the product, while also recognizing its nutritional and medicinal value. Climatically, Yasuj has faced reduced rainfall in recent years, prompting entrepreneurs to replace traditional crops such as barley and wheat with saffron. Moreover, this product requires less water and lower costs for planting, growing, and harvesting, making it more economical and providing higher income for farmers and entrepreneurs. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_714898.html Introduction. In recent years, with the increasing in environmental issues and crises in the health sector, the production, marketing and sale of biotechnological products has become as a very important matter and new and diverse markets centered on these technologies have emerged in different regions, which include the Persian Gulf region. Although marketing literature is rich and diverse, there is still a gap of theoretical studies in the field of biotechnological product marketing. Research Methodology. In this regard, the present research based on the interpretive paradigm and using a descriptive and exploratory approach, has tried to identify and examine the appropriate entrepreneurial marketing strategies at each stage of the biotech-companies' life in the Persian Gulf region. In this research, data gathering is done by reviewing documents and in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven business owners and experts in the field of biotechnology with the experience of participating in the marketing of at least two biotechnological products. To select people, a purpose-based sampling method was used, and in order to achieve theoretical saturation, the selection of people continued until a new semantic unit entered the research Also, in order to analyze the data, the conceptual ordering method was used in the framework of the interpretive phenomenological method, and for this purpose, theme extraction and repeated return to the data were used. In this article, in order to validate the research, the dialogue-oriented process of data recording and interpretation of the findings with the interviewees has been used. Findings. According to the findings of this research, strategies aimed at market opportunities, technological innovation, new resources, entrepreneurial risks, new value, have been most efficient in biotech-products marketing. Some of these strategies include creating new value through packaging, brand development based on advertising and the supply of high consumption products in line with the lifestyle of the general public such as food and health products at the beginning stage, focusing on local markets in the growth stage, offering products aimed at discount policies, focusing on large industries to sell products and creating new value by providing innovative ancillary services at the maturity stage, as well as developing existing products and introducing new products aimed to technological innovations and the development of new products by relying on the provision of new financial resources in the renewal phase.Conclusions and achievements. This study suggests a diverse package of entrepreneurial strategies according to the stages of business life-cycle to biotech-companies. It also suggests to the suppliers of biotech-products not to fall into the trap of the attractions of the supply sector focused on scientific and technological innovation, and therefore it is emphasized on the need to pay attention to the demand sector and the real needs of customers. One of the most important factors for the success of bio-based products in entering the market and growing their sales is the improvement of the mental capacity of the owners of these businesses and the improvement of their mental capacity in the face of risk, market hazards and existing uncertainties. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_720055.html Introduction: The agricultural sector of Iraq, as one of the axes of economic development of this country, can create many job opportunities to increase the added value and productivity level of the activities of this sector. Babylon province is one of the fertile agricultural provinces of Iraq and has potential capacities in various fields of agriculture, horticulture, livestock and poultry, food industries, etc. Understanding the challenges and obstacles of entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector and drawing and presenting a model of agricultural entrepreneurship development can be useful in the planning of policymakers and activists of the agricultural sector of this province. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of designing a model for the development of agricultural entrepreneurship in Iraq. Methodology: The research was conducted with a qualitative approach and using the grounded theory method. The participants in the qualitative section were 43 faculty members of the departments of agriculture, economics and entrepreneurship, managers and experts of the Agricultural Department of Babylon province, and a number of entrepreneurial farmers. Purposeful sampling was used using the snowball method until theoretical saturation was reached. The data collection tool was face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Open coding, axial coding, and selective coding techniques were used to analyze the data. In order to examine the validity and reliability of the results, member check, researchers' self-review and intercoder agreement methods were used. Findings: The research findings suggest that economic factors, social factors, networking, and individual (psychological) factors act as causal factors; educational opportunities, economic and market conditions, geographical and natural factors, and infrastructural factors as contextual conditions; and political factors, cultural environment, and legal and regulatory factors as intervening conditions affecting entrepreneurship development in Iraq. The results indicate that strategies such as education and extension of entrepreneurial culture, marketing and sales training, financial support, and government policies and regulations are effective in developing entrepreneurship in Iraq's agricultural sector, leading to implications such as sustainable agricultural development and preservation of natural resources, poverty reduction and improved living standards, job creation, fostering of entrepreneurial spirit, development of human resources, and effective use of available resources. Conclusion: The entrepreneurial development paradigm in Iraq's agricultural sector offers a comprehensive view of the factors, conditions, and outcomes associated with the growth of entrepreneurship in the sector. The model demonstrates that entrepreneurial development is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, including economic, social, network, and individual factors. To facilitate entrepreneurial development in Iraq's agricultural sector, it is essential to focus on creating enabling conditions (such as training, financial support, and supportive policies), overcoming barriers (such as legal and cultural challenges), and implementing educational, legal, and supportive strategies. The successful implementation of this model requires close collaboration among the government, private sector, and educational institutions and can play a vital role in the flourishing of Iraq's agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of the rural population. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_721270.html Introduction: The social entrepreneurship ecosystem represents an innovative approach to facilitating modern businesses and addressing the needs of a target community. Unfortunately, research indicates that most entrepreneurial initiatives fail to achieve their expected goals. This is primarily because they stem from the needs, capacities, and desires of a particular individual, group, or organization and lack a comprehensive perspective on societal conditions. This shortcoming arises from the lack of coordination among various initiatives, the absence of an ecosystem structure and network connectivity, and the lack of logical coherence between entrepreneurial centers and the community. Consequently, this study aims to propose a social entrepreneurship ecosystem model in Tehran.Methodology: This research employs a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative). In the qualitative phase, 15 entrepreneurship experts or experienced professionals in the field of entrepreneurship were selected through the snowball sampling method. Over three stages of a fuzzy Delphi process, components were identified from theoretical foundations and prior studies, leading to a consensus. In the first quantitative phase, fuzzy cognitive mapping was used to identify the causal relationships between various elements of the research. Subsequently, in the second quantitative phase, data were collected through 384 questionnaires distributed to citizens visiting neighborhood centers across Tehran's 22 districts, using convenience sampling. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS 3 software. Reliability was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha test.Findings: The results revealed that economic sustainability, social sustainability, and service quality had the greatest influence, whereas service quality, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability were the most impacted. Additionally, service quality and social sustainability exhibited the highest centrality indices. The findings further demonstrated that the social entrepreneurship ecosystem model possesses strong goodness-of-fit. Within the framework of a social entrepreneurship ecosystem, it is possible to enhance citizen satisfaction, trust, and cooperation, ultimately increasing economic, social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.Conclusion/Achievements: Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that addressing the fundamental needs of society, along with achieving social, cultural, environmental, economic, and service sustainability, is attainable through a social entrepreneurship ecosystem. The assurance of achieving entrepreneurial goals lies in meeting the target community's needs and gaining their satisfaction, trust, and cooperation. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct comprehensive studies to identify social and economic needs, particularly in vulnerable communities or areas with high potential for social entrepreneurship in Tehran, such as the environment, education, healthcare, and social services. Establishing innovation centers and accelerators dedicated to social entrepreneurship is advised to provide consulting services, training, and specialized workshops for enhancing entrepreneurial, management, and marketing skills for social entrepreneurs. Additionally, strengthening local networks to connect social entrepreneurs with each other and with supportive organizations is essential. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_722186.html Introduction: One of the most important challenges for start-up businesses is securing financial resources. Crowdfunding is one of the new methods of entrepreneurial financing, the success of which depends on the behavior of investors, the crowdfunding platform, and the project owners. The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize the factors affecting the participation of individual and institutional investors in crowdfunding projects. Methodology: A combined (qualitative-quantitative) approach was used to identify the influencing factors. Accordingly, in the qualitative part, the initial factors were identified by studying theoretical literature and research background and then interviewing experts. In the quantitative part, the final influencing factors were identified and ranked using a Delphi-fuzzy survey strategy. Findings: The results identify 22 basic themes organized into 5 themes: entrepreneur characteristics, project characteristics, crowdfunding platform characteristics, investor characteristics, and macroeconomic environment as primary influencing factors. Finally, 21 themes were confirmed for individual investors and 18 themes for institutional investors. The results also showed that project profitability, risk-taking, and political conditions were among the most important factors affecting the participation of individual investors, and that parallel market returns, inflation, project risk, and collateral were among the most important factors affecting the participation of institutional investors. Conclusion/implications: This research can provide practical suggestions for managers of crowdfunding platforms to increase the likelihood of success of crowdfunding projects. Since the geographical factor does not affect investor participation in crowdfunding projects, platforms can finance projects from different parts of the country with the help of individual and institutional investors. In addition to the above, given that collateral factors, parallel market returns, project risk, and inflation are among the most important factors affecting the participation of institutional investors, and project profit factors, risk-taking, political conditions, parallel market returns, and inflation are the most effective factors affecting the participation of individual investors in crowdfunding projects, crowdfunding platform managers can consider these issues in their negotiations with legal and natural person for investment so that their negotiations lead to investor participation in crowdfunding projects. Negotiations between crowdfunding platforms and institutional investors should focus more on the type of collateral, parallel market returns, and comparing it with the project profit and project risks. In contrast, in negotiations with individuals investors, platform managers should focus more on the project profit, their risk-taking, and parallel market returns, so that they can determine the platform's success in successfully financing projects. platform's success in successfully financing projects. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_725010.html Introduction: The ecosystem of home-based businesses refers to the collection of factors and conditions that support the growth and development of small and home-based enterprises. This ecosystem includes financial resources, technological infrastructure, communication networks, and social and governmental support. With the increasing desire for entrepreneurship and financial independence, home-based businesses have emerged as an attractive option in the job market. These businesses not only contribute to job creation but can also lead to economic diversity and strengthen local communities. On the other hand, challenges such as competition, market access, and resource management also exist within this ecosystem, requiring attention and proper planning. The present study was conducted with the aim of presenting a paradigmatic model of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of home businesses in Ilam province. Methodology: The research is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of approach and based on data-based theory. Data were collected through semi-structured and in-depth interviews with 18 experts, including professors of management, entrepreneurship and marketing, experts in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystem and home entrepreneurs, using non-probability and purposeful sampling until the theoretical saturation rule was reached. The data were analyzed through an open, axial and selective coding process based on the systematic design of Strauss and Corbin and using MAXQDA2020 software. The validity and reliability of the findings were confirmed using Lincoln and Guba criteria. Findings: Causal factors included necessary characteristics and skills, individual factors, social belief and belief in home businesses, and personality traits. Intervening conditions included government financial support, government legal support and government interference. The background conditions included environmental factors, economic situation, infrastructure, laws and regulations, economic changes, and social changes. The strategies included developing communication and joint ventures, marketing mix, recognizing and paying special attention to the needs of the community in home products, creating a competitive environment between home businesses, using information and communication technologies, and digital marketing. The outcomes included job creation, improving the economy and environment, and enhancing the competitiveness of home businesses. Conclusion/ Implications: The results of the study showed that home businesses can act as an effective tool in reducing unemployment and improving the quality of life. Therefore, paying attention to the influential components and appropriate policymaking can contribute to the sustainable development of this ecosystem. In today's world, where economic and social conditions are changing rapidly, home-based businesses not only help create jobs, but also strengthen local economies and sustainable development. This entrepreneurial ecosystem is a space where each individual can use their skills and interests to create added value and create a new world of possibilities for themselves and others. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_725033.html Introduction: In today’s highly competitive and technology-driven landscape, effective collaboration and the strategic utilization of knowledge and innovation across various sectors—including education, industry, and entrepreneurship—have become critically important. Universities play a pivotal role in generating scientific knowledge, advancing technological development, and cultivating skilled human capital. Meanwhile, startups—serving as engines of innovation and new business development—necessitate strong communication channels and collaboration with academic institutions to leverage their scientific and technical expertise. Mutual learning processes and the transfer of knowledge between universities and startups can significantly enhance the effectiveness of these collaborations. Consequently, there is a pressing need for both scholarly and practical models that facilitate and strengthen these learning processes and partnerships. This study aims to develop a comprehensive model of mutual learning within university-startup collaborations in the field of digital marketing, offering a practical, evidence-based framework to foster these relationships and optimize the potential inherent in this domain. Methodology: This research adopts an applied purpose and a qualitative approach for data collection, employing content analysis to interpret the data. The population comprised experts, professors, and managers involved in university-industry relations, as well as individuals who have launched startups. Using purposive sampling, a total of 31 interviews were conducted until reaching theoretical saturation. To ensure the validity of the findings, insights from several specialists in startups and digital marketing were incorporated. Reliability was established through the analysis of core themes and patterns in participants’ responses. Data analysis was performed through qualitative content analysis, utilizing coding techniques to identify and extract key themes and indicators. Findings: The derived model of mutual learning between universities and startups encompasses 13 primary categories, 39 subcategories, and 117 indicators. The main categories identified include knowledge exchange, joint innovation, skill development, strategic partnerships, performance evaluation and documentation, social networking, technology transfer, research and development, market analysis, fostering an innovation culture, resource management, training and empowerment, as well as sustainability and social responsibility. Conclusion and Implications: Based on these categories and indicators, a conceptual framework was structured across three interconnected layers. The foundational layer—comprising infrastructure—encompasses essential elements such as strategic partnerships, resource management, social networks, and an innovation culture, which provide the groundwork for effective collaboration. These elements, rooted in theories of strategic management and organizational culture, serve as the bedrock for fostering productive joint efforts. The process layer involves operational and executive activities carried out between universities and startups, including knowledge exchange, skill development, research and development, and technology transfer. These active processes are instrumental in generating shared value and mutual benefits. The final layer—outcomes—reflects tangible results and organizational effectiveness, demonstrating that collaborations lead to joint innovation, improved performance, and the advancement of social responsibilities and sustainability, as evidenced through performance evaluation models and organizational innovation frameworks. This comprehensive model offers a strategic pathway to enhance university-startup collaborations, ultimately contributing to innovation, economic development, and societal progress. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_725132.html Introduction: Considering the advancements in knowledge and technology across various fields, identifying trends for monitoring, developing, and converting them into national income and wealth is of special significance. In this regard, designing models, metrics, indices, and indicators with the capacity for monitoring, evaluation, impact assessment, trend analysis, and benchmarking at both national and, particularly, international levels can aid in achieving the aforementioned objectives. This study reviews the dimensions of the governance of South Korea's innovation system with the aim of extracting policy implications for steering a knowledge-based economy, thereby providing insights for the governance and policymaking of science, technology, and innovation with a view to realizing a knowledge-based economy. Methodology: A systematic review methodology was employed as the principal research approach in this investigation. The central inquiry of this study was framed as follows: What constitutes the model of governance, policy formulation, and evaluation of innovation at the national level within South Korea? Moreover, what are the comparative implications for the Iranian context? Findings: The outcome of the search yielded a total of 294 articles. The selected articles underwent several evaluative stages, leading to the exclusion of certain works due to their lack of alignment with the topic. Ultimately, 33 articles were chosen for an in-depth review. The filtering criteria encompassed: inclusion in reputable databases, the employment of reliable research methodologies and data, including high-quality content related to the topics of innovation governance, management, policy-making, and evaluation, as well as the absence of redundancy. Following the conceptual extraction process, the derived propositions were organized into three thematic categories: (a) the profile of the innovation system, (b) the principal characteristics of innovation policy, and (c) essential metrics for assessing and valuing innovation in South Korea. The findings indicate that the profile of the South Korean innovation system reveals a coherent and dynamic amalgamation of targeted governmental support policies, the efficacy of public research institutions, the higher education sector, and investments from the private sector, including the Chaebols. The country is actively enhancing the development of the innovation chain employing a commercialization approach facilitated by well-established innovation clusters and business networks, while also fervently pursuing international R&D collaborations to fortify its innovation system. Korea has executed a national innovation survey, placing significant emphasis on indicators oriented towards the impact of innovation. Conclusion/ implication: Drawing upon the insights gleaned from the comparative analysis of South Korea’s innovation governance framework, recommendations were posited to enhance the institutional arrangements and governance structures of Iran’s innovation system. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_725587.html Introduction: The aim of this qualitative inquiry is to discern and compile the determinants factors influencing the construction of identity among women entrepreneurs, drawing from previous literature. Given the prevalent narrative of entrepreneurship predominantly associated with male discourse, the formation of women's entrepreneurial identity often conflicting with this discourse. Women encounter multifarious challenges in delineating and solidifying their entrepreneurial identities, shaped by a plethora of factors. In the past decade, research on EI has grown particularly rapidly, yet in seemingly disparate directions, this study endeavors to provide a coherent and comprehensive perspective on this subject matter through a systematic review of extant literature. Methodology: Employing an applied, descriptive methodology, a systematic search encompassing the years 2000 to 2023 was conducted within the Scopus and Web of Science databases, culminating in the selection of 32 pertinent documents from a pool of 849 Based on the relevance or research question and the field of women entrepreneur studies and in terms of the validity of the journals. After screening; 32 articles selected for synthetic and coding process. Findings: Based on the findings of the meta-synthesis, 33 components were identified within five main dimensions as factors influencing. They include (1) structural (2) gender-related (3) normative (4) individualistic (5) business-oriented, and (6) identity-related facets influencing the process of identity formation. Furthermore, the consequential factors of constructing an entrepreneurial identity, including posh factor and pull factor, were also identified during the research. As it found Building an entrepreneurial identity will remove stigmatized identities and attract new social and economic opportunities for women. The obtained dimensions were placed in the form of a multi-level model, which consists of three levels of macro, mezzo and micro levels. Each of these dimensions affect the success of the business and its creation on the construction of identity at different levels. At the micro level, we are faced with individual motivations, individual motivations, personal and biographical characteristics. The next level of normative factors and expectations, gender stereotypes, and business-related factors, and at the macro level, political, economic, social, and support structures are presented. Conclusion/ Implications: The results highlight the importance of entrepreneurial identity in facilitating and shaping business venture processes and the influencing factor on identity construction. The results indicate that entrepreneurial identity influence by several factor in micro mezzo and macro level. By identifying and clarifying the key factors that play a role in shaping entrepreneurial identity in women, this research provides insights and practical guidance for policymakers, women entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders involved in these processes. This research showed that the discussion of identity and its effective factors includes all three levels: individual and micro, organizational, business, interpersonal and macro level. In research literature, macro structures, including political, cultural, and gender factors, are more important, and the focus of research is more towards macro or micro factors, and it seems that we are facing the missing link between macro and micro levels. there is a need to focus on identity at the business level and identity at team level. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_725594.html Introduction: Entrepreneurship, as the driving force behind innovation, job creation, and economic growth, plays a central role in the sustainable development of societies. Entrepreneurial intention, as a precursor to entrepreneurial behavior, is shaped by psychological factors, including entrepreneurial mindset. Entrepreneurial mindset encompasses a set of cognitive and behavioral characteristics that assess an individual's ability to recognize opportunities, make decisions under uncertainty, and create economic value. Despite numerous studies in this field, there is limited research on the simultaneous examination of the various dimensions of entrepreneurial mindset and their impact on entrepreneurial intention, particularly in the academic environments of Iran. This study aims to analyze the impact of five key dimensions of entrepreneurial mindset—creativity, opportunity-seeking, risk-taking, ambiguity tolerance, and optimistic disposition—on the entrepreneurial intention of students at Bu-Ali Sina University. Methodology: This study employed a quantitative-correlational design using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of students at Bu-Ali Sina University (N = 12,000), from which a sample of 190 students was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires. To assess the validity of the questionnaire, expert opinions in the field of entrepreneurship were utilized, along with construct validity (both convergent and discriminant validity). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS software, applying the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Results: The findings of the study indicated that creativity, risk-taking, and ambiguity tolerance have a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial intention, while opportunity-seeking had no significant effect, and optimistic disposition had only a marginal effect. The results show that the independent variables studied explained 30% of the variance in students' entrepreneurial intention, indicating a significant impact of the dimensions of entrepreneurial mindset on entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, the predictive relevance of the model (Q² = 0.18) suggests a relatively good fit of the structural model. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize the importance of strengthening creative skills, increasing ambiguity tolerance, and fostering risk-taking among students. The findings suggest that in order to enhance entrepreneurial intention, it is not sufficient to focus solely on opportunity identification, and other dimensions of entrepreneurial mindset should also be developed. Furthermore, this study can assist educational planners and policymakers in designing more effective programs to promote entrepreneurship among students. Therefore, it is recommended that universities foster an environment conducive to the development of students’ entrepreneurial mindset—and consequently, their entrepreneurial intention—by offering practical training programs, organizing business simulation workshops, and promoting greater interaction with successful entrepreneurs. Ultimately, this study can serve as a foundation for future research in the field of entrepreneurship and the cultivation of entrepreneurial mindset within academic settings. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_725996.html Introduction: Given the challenges and damages caused by climate change, identifying suitable entrepreneurial opportunities can help increase the resilience of farmers and rural communities and strengthen the local economy. Therefore, this study aims to identify and prioritize suitable rural entrepreneurship opportunities for climate change conditions in Hamadan province. Methodology: This research is an applied, in terms of purpose and descriptive in terms of data collection method, conducted in a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) manner. The statistical population in the qualitative part of the research included agricultural and rural entrepreneurs and experts in fields related to entrepreneurship and rural economy, from which 16 people were selected as samples based on the snowball sampling method. The main technique for collecting the necessary information in the qualitative part was in-depth and semi-structured interviews, and in the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the findings of the qualitative part was used. The analysis of the qualitative information was carried out using conventional techniques, including data coding and category identification, leading to the identification and extraction of rural entrepreneurship opportunities. Then, the identified opportunities were scored and prioritized based on the opinions of a group of 16 experts, considering three criteria: availability of resources and required capital, profitability and value creation ability, and market capacity and potential, using the Topsis technique. Findings: Based on the research results, the identified entrepreneurial opportunities in the qualitative part of the research included 41 types of rural entrepreneurial opportunities in ten areas of activity, including home-based businesses, clean energy production, smart agriculture initiatives, nanotechnology activities, agricultural biotechnology development, climate-smart agricultural initiatives, tourism services, medicinal plants, marketing and sales development of products, and implementation of watershed management projects. These opportunities were prioritized considering the relevant criteria. Conclusion/ Implications: The results of this research showed that based on the capacities of rural areas and the geographical, economic, and social conditions of different regions of Hamadan province, a variety of entrepreneurial opportunities and job fields can be considered by rural residents and entrepreneurs for better management of climate change conditions. Additionally, reflecting on the research results and the types of identified rural entrepreneurial opportunities, it can be understood that managing the damages caused by climate change, in addition to requiring creativity and innovation in identifying entrepreneurial opportunities in areas related to current and traditional activities and existing capacities in rural areas such as home-made products and medicinal plants, requires the appropriate utilization of modern knowledge and technology such as nanotechnology and biotechnology and the development of smart and data-driven agricultural systems to optimize agricultural production flow and consequently reduce the need for water and energy resources. This highlights the necessity of involving knowledgeable individuals and new technologies in rural entrepreneurship to effectively manage the climate change conditions in the province. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_728272.html Introduction: With the advancement of technology in the field of media and changes in how it is used, media play a vital role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by contributing to education, cultural development, socialization, strengthening interactions, and establishing connections.In the past decade, with the emergence of new forms of media that offer greater accessibility and changes in how information is received and consumed, new capacities have been created for empowering SMEs. These new capacities help attract more customers and, at the same time, offer increased opportunities for business expansion, access to new technical knowledge, and the discovery of sustainable financial resources and skilled labor.However, SMEs face serious challenges in utilizing these capacities due to structural, knowledge-related, and communication limitations.This study was conducted with the aim of designing an integrated media model to support the development of SMEs within the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the city of Isfahan, using the grounded theory approach. Methodology: This qualitative research was conducted using grounded theory methodology. The study population consisted of 25 specialists in media, entrepreneurship, and policy-making fields, selected via purposive sampling methodology until reaching theoretical saturation. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding. The emerging categories were organized using the Strauss and Corbin paradigm model, including causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening factors, strategies, and outcomes. Findings: The analysis yielded 87 initial concepts, which were categorized into 24 subcategories and 6 core categories. "Structural-functional challenges of SMEs" were identified as causal conditions, encompassing communication-related, knowledge-based, and media-marketing issues. The contextual conditions involved cultural-social, economic-technological, and legal-institutional infrastructures. Intervening conditions included policy, infrastructural, institutional, and media-related factors. The proposed strategies, defined under "media-structural empowerment," addressed content development, human resource training, infrastructure enhancement, and business model design. The central phenomenon, termed the "integrated media model," consisted of four key components: specialized media structure, institutional coordination, networked communication, and purposeful content production. The implementation of this model resulted in positive outcomes across three levels: economic-entrepreneurial, socio-cultural, and ecosystemic. Conclusion/ Implications: The results indicate that the absence of a targeted and coherent media system constitutes a significant barrier to the effective utilization of entrepreneurial capacities. The designed model, focusing on structural, content-based, communicational, and managerial dimensions of media, can serve as an operational solution for strengthening intra-ecosystem interactions, supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises, and enhancing synergy among stakeholders. It is recommended that policymakers, media institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders consider this model in their decision-making and strategic planning processes. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_728522.html Introduction: Industrial innovation is a fundamental issue in entrepreneurship, economic growth, and the movement towards development and sustainability that leads to long-term economic and social development. This development follows results that have led to the emergence of new concepts in promoting entrepreneurship and economic systems. With the increasing impulses and concerns such as sustainable development, environmental issues, and the development of new businesses, industrial innovation has acquired a different color and flavor from what was previously known. Therefore, there is a direct connection between the circular economy, innovation, and economic growth of industries. The circular economy is the future of the world economy because the increase in the share of industrial and innovative products with the aim of sustainable development has caused this strategy to be considered more than ever in economic systems. The necessity of innovation and the transformation of new ideas into new economic solutions, new products, processes, and services with the aim of sustainability and creating competitive advantages for companies is very important. Therefore, based on this, identifying a comprehensive process in the field of industrial innovation with a circular economy approach is one of the goals of the current research. So, if this process is properly understood, designed, and implemented, it can contribute to the sustainability of societies through entrepreneurial opportunities and promote and decode new forms of value with this approach. Methodology: The study adopted Sandelowski and Barroso’s qualitative meta-synthesis approach. The process began with a systematic review of 270 initial articles, and ultimately, 66 articles relevant to the research objective were selected. The inclusion criterion was publication in the fields of the industrial innovation process & circular economy between 2010 and 2024. The reliability of the findings was assessed by the kappa coefficient (0.751), which indicated acceptable reliability. To validate the proposed model and increase its acceptability, the method of review by experts was utilized. Additionally, the results obtained were validated and reviewed by experts to ensure their confirmability. Findings: Based on the findings from the meta-synthesis, 53 components were identified in the form of 5 main dimensions in the industrial innovation process based on circular economy strategies. These dimensions are: 1)Technological, digital and other intelligent transformations; 2) Development goals with business models in line with innovation, entrepreneurship; 3) Examination of macro & micro environmental factors and other requirements; 4) Application of organizational and systemic, industrial competencies in entrepreneurship; and 5) Paying attention to environmental strategies and outcomes in innovation, entrepreneurship, and value creation. Conclusion/ Implications: The industrial innovation process resulting from this research considers the creation of balanced value in the innovation ecosystem in both economic systems and in the areas of entrepreneurship, society and the environment. The results of this research can be a basis for operationalizing circular economy strategies aligned with the industrial innovation process, so that by making suggestions and identifying effective components and factors in outlining the industrial innovation process, it can lead to creating innovative opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship with the aim of sustainable development in industrial organizations. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_730059.html Introduction: The high unemployment rate among agricultural graduates has made the study of their entrepreneurial intentions increasingly important. Despite many studies, the mechanism underlying the formation of entrepreneurial intentions in these students remains unclear, as several variables influence this process. Evidence suggests that individual resources significantly contribute to the development of students' entrepreneurial intentions; however, a review of the literature indicates that empirical research in this area remains limited. In this context, the formation mechanism of students' entrepreneurial intentions based on perceived academic performance and perceived employability (two important psychological resources) has not yet been clarified. Accordingly, this study investigates the role of perceived academic performance and perceived employability in shaping the entrepreneurial intentions of agricultural students. As these resources are cultivated during university education, the present study also aims to clarify the potential role of agricultural higher education institutions. Methodology: This study employed a quantitative research design, collecting data through a structured survey administered to participants. The statistical population consisted of all fourth-year undergraduate students enrolled in state agricultural higher education institutions across the country. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure, 384 students were selected for the study. The collected data were then analysed using structural equation modelling, following the partial least squares method, through the SmartPLS software application. Findings: The findings revealed that both academic performance (p = 0.001, t = 5.48) and perceived employability (p = 0.001, t = 8.25) had a statistically significant effect on the entrepreneurial intentions of agricultural students. Moreover, perceived employability was found to play a mediating role in the relationship between academic performance and entrepreneurial intentions (p = 0.001, t = 6.08). A more detailed analysis further demonstrated the presence of a nonlinear relationship between academic performance and both perceived employability and entrepreneurial intentions. In contrast, no evidence of a nonlinear relationship was observed between perceived employability and entrepreneurial intentions. Conclusion/ Implications: The results of this study indicate that academic performance and perceived employability, as individual psychological resources, influence the formation of entrepreneurial intentions among agricultural students. In this context, developing employability can strengthen students' belief in their potential for entrepreneurial success. In other words, students who perceive themselves as employable are more likely to intend to start a business. However, as academic performance increases, students' perceptions of job opportunities (and particularly their intentions to start a new business) tend to decrease in a nonlinear manner. These findings provide new insights into the development of entrepreneurial intentions among agricultural students and can support agricultural higher education institutions in guiding students toward entrepreneurial intentions. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_730113.html Introduction: With the growing imperative for inclusiveness in the global economy, inclusive entrepreneurship has emerged as a pivotal factor in promoting equal opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This form of entrepreneurship emphasizes the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities for marginalized and underrepresented groups, particularly women, ethnic minorities, and individuals from low-income backgrounds. The primary objective of the present study is to identify the antecedent and consequent factors of inclusive entrepreneurship. Methodology: The present study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods, and is classified as an applied research in terms of its purpose. In terms of data collection, it falls under the category of survey studies. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were purposive sampling conducted with 15 university faculty members and business practitioners who were familiar with entrepreneurial activities in Fereydunshahr County. The data obtained from these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify the main antecedents and consequences of inclusive entrepreneurship. The validity and reliability of the data collection instruments were confirmed through content validity ratio. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was distributed among 15 women entrepreneurs in Fereydunshahr County, who were selected through convenience sampling, to examine their perspectives and experiences regarding inclusive entrepreneurship. The validity of the quantitative instruments was confirmed through content validity, and their reliability was verified using the test-retest method. Finally, the qualitative data were coded and analyzed using MAXQDA software, while the quantitative data were analyzed using the fuzzy cognitive mapping technique. Findings: The thematic analysis led to the identification of 12 antecedent factors and 5 consequent factors influencing inclusive entrepreneurship. These factors were organized into thematic categories that reflect the prerequisites for the realization of inclusive entrepreneurship as well as its resulting outcomes. The antecedent factors include: enhancement of knowledge levels, value appreciation, idea-centric orientation, reduction of bureaucracy, specialization, legal facilitation, top-level decision-making, supportive advocacy, depoliticization, entrepreneurial environment, market availability, and financial support. The consequent factors comprise: operational autonomy, healthy competition, justice, entrepreneurial performance, and entrepreneurial engagement. Conclusion/ Implications: The findings of this study indicate that the realization of inclusive entrepreneurship requires the provision of a combination of structural, institutional, and cultural conditions. These factors ranging from the enhancement of knowledge and specialized skills to depoliticization and financial support highlight the need for a multidimensional and integrated approach to promoting equal participation in entrepreneurial activities. Strengthening inclusive entrepreneurship not only improves the individual circumstances of women entrepreneurs but also contributes positively to the broader economic and social landscape of the region. Accordingly, it can be concluded that inclusive entrepreneurship holds significant potential for advancing social mobility, reducing gender gaps, and fostering economic justice. This is particularly critical in less developed areas where marginalized groups face more substantial structural barriers. The existence of coherent support policies, facilitating institutions, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that embraces diversity and inclusion plays a pivotal role in empowering women entrepreneurs. The practical implications of this study can guide policymakers, . designing targeted programs and interventions aimed at reducing existing barriers to inclusive entrepreneurship. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_730521.html Introduction: In recent years, organizational resilience has emerged as a vital construct for the survival and agility of firms in volatile and uncertain environments. Strategic entrepreneurship, which integrates opportunity-seeking behavior with strategic discipline, may significantly enhance an organization’s resilience capabilities. Meanwhile, internal dynamic capabilities such as organizational innovation and learning play pivotal mediating roles in the transformation of entrepreneurial capacity into actual resilience. This study aims to investigate both the direct and indirect impacts of strategic entrepreneurship on organizational resilience, with a special focus on the mediating effects of innovation and organizational learning. Methodology: From a paradigmatic standpoint, this study is grounded in positivism. It is applied in purpose and follows a descriptive-correlational survey design, utilizing a quantitative methodology. Furthermore, it is cross-sectional in its time horizon. The statistical population comprised 210 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in the Khorasan Razavi Science and Technology Park. A sample of 136 companies was selected using Cochran's formula and simple random sampling. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire administered to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of each firm to capture a holistic and strategic perspective on the study's macro-level constructs. The instrument's validity and reliability were confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach's alpha, and composite reliability. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software. Findings: The path analysis results indicate that strategic entrepreneurship has a direct, positive, and significant effect on organizational resilience. Furthermore, organizational innovation and organizational learning both play a partial and significant mediating role in this relationship. The findings reveal that organizational learning serves as a more potent mediator than organizational innovation in transmitting the effect of strategic entrepreneurship to resilience. The research model successfully explained 68% of the variance in organizational resilience, and a Goodness-of-Fit (GOF) index of 0.491 confirmed a strong overall model fit. Conclusion/Implications: The findings of this research demonstrate that while strategic entrepreneurship is a pivotal capability for enhancing organizational resilience, its full potential is realized only when reinforced by internal mechanisms of learning and innovation. This study suggests that to build sustainable resilience, managers of technology-based firms must move beyond merely adopting an entrepreneurial stance and instead focus on and invest in cultivating dynamic capabilities within their organizations. Accordingly, a key recommendation is that these firms should create a foundation for continuous learning by instituting knowledge management systems, conducting after-action reviews, and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing. Concurrently, it is essential to cultivate an innovative culture by supporting calculated risk-taking, proactiveness, and entrepreneurial alertness. Such an integrated approach translates strategic orientations into tangible and sustainable competitive advantages in today's turbulent markets. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_731239.html Introduction: While entrepreneurship is often presented as an equal opportunity for wealth creation and poverty reduction, complex realities such as unequal structures and institutional barriers that disproportionately affect minority entrepreneurs are frequently overlooked. These barriers are rooted in structural biases and entrenched discrimination, and our understanding of their precise mechanisms at the global and cross-country levels remains incomplete. The primary objective of this study is to conduct an empirical analysis on a cross-country scale to assess the impact of structural barriers on entrepreneurial performance among minority groups. To this end, this research integrates insights from the resource-based view (Barney), institutional theory (DiMaggio and Powell), and intersectionality theory (Crenshaw). Methodology: This study employs a quantitative and analytical approach to examine the impact of structural barriers on entrepreneurial performance among minority groups across various Asian, European, and African countries using panel data encompassing 45 countries over the period from 2005 to 2023. This data structure allows for both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to investigate the dynamics of entrepreneurship over time within diverse institutional contexts. The data utilized are sourced from a range of international datasets, including the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), AsiaBarometer, ArabBarometer, Afrobarometer, Eurobarometer, International Labour Organization (ILO), OECD statistics, World Development Indicators (WDI), and World Bank Enterprise Surveys. Findings: The findings indicate a significant negative performance gap for minority entrepreneurs, which is exacerbated in environments with limited access to financing and poor institutional quality. A key contribution of this research is the empirical confirmation of intersectionality theory, which shows that performance deficits are more pronounced due to multilayered disadvantages, particularly among minority women entrepreneurs. This study emphasizes the critical role of institutional frameworks in mitigating or exacerbating entrepreneurial inequalities. Finally, the heterogeneity analysis shows that the institutional and structural conditions of countries, as well as gender characteristics, significantly shape how barriers affect the economic performance of minorities Conclusion/ Implications: This study, through a multi-country empirical analysis, demonstrated that structural barriers such as financial constraints and systemic discrimination significantly diminish the economic performance of minority entrepreneurs. The role of institutions as a moderating factor is prominent, with institutional quality capable of either exacerbating or mitigating the impact of these barriers. The research recommends that policymakers design targeted and inclusive financial and support programs for marginalized groups and emphasizes the necessity of public-private partnerships in developing entrepreneurial ecosystems. Ultimately, this study contributes to the discourse on minority entrepreneurship by highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing inequalities. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_731933.html Introduction: In today’s turbulent and knowledge-driven environment, knowledge-based companies must leverage capabilities that enable them to acquire, generate, and—most importantly—effectively combine knowledge in order to survive, remain competitive, and grow. This study aims to examine the role of the three core components of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities—namely knowledge acquisition, knowledge generation, and knowledge combination—on the performance of knowledge-based firms in Markazi and Hamedan provinces. Methodology: This quantitative, applied, and survey-based study was conducted on a sample of 108 firms selected from a population of 265 knowledge-based companies. Data were collected using validated and standardized questionnaires in winter 2025. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires. To assess the validity of the questionnaire, expert opinions in the field of entrepreneurship were utilized. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS software, applying the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Findings: The findings revealed that only knowledge combination capability had a significant and direct positive impact on firm performance. In contrast, knowledge acquisition and generation capabilities did not directly affect performance but influenced it indirectly through knowledge combination. This underscores the full mediating role of knowledge combination and highlights the importance of integrating and reconfiguring knowledge resources to drive performance outcomes. Additionally, the study uncovered the hierarchical structure and interrelations among the KBDC dimensions. Knowledge acquisition positively influenced both knowledge generation and combination, while knowledge generation also significantly contributed to knowledge combination. Conclusion/ Implications: Overall, the findings of this study confirm the existence of a hierarchical structure among the components of knowledge-based capabilities and underscore the mediating role of knowledge combination capability within the study’s integrated conceptual framework. The results indicate that mere access to or generation of knowledge is insufficient to create sustainable competitive advantage. Instead, it is the ability to combine knowledge that serves as a strategic mechanism for converting intellectual capital into superior performance and organizational success. For knowledge-based companies to achieve optimal performance, they must be able to systematically and purposefully integrate diverse internal and external knowledge in alignment with environmental demands. This combinative ability enables organizations to respond more quickly to market changes, identify and exploit innovation opportunities, and reconfigure their organizational structures and decision-making processes with greater agility. Therefore, investing in the development and institutionalization of knowledge combination capability can be regarded as a key strategy to enhance the competitiveness, adaptability, and long-term sustainability of knowledge-based firms operating in dynamic and uncertain environments. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_731934.html Introduction: Access to formal credit remains a pivotal factor shaping the growth and sustainability of agricultural enterprises worldwide, particularly within high-input, capital-intensive systems such as greenhouse production. Banks are among the service organizations that provide financial services, including various types of loans, to their clients. It is crucial for them to understand the factors that significantly influence customers' decisions to take out bank loans. Given that bank loans allocated to agricultural producers and entrepreneurs play a vital role in the prosperity of the agricultural sector, examining the perspectives, intentions, and attitudes of agricultural producers and entrepreneurs regarding the factors influencing access to bank credit is of great importance. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the factors affecting the intention to obtain bank loans among greenhouse operators in Golestan Province. Methodology: This study is descriptive-correlational in nature and is based on a survey questionnaire. The statistical population consists of 942 greenhouse owners in Golestan Province in the year 2023, and the required information was collected from a sample of 290 individuals. The research instrument for gathering field data was a research-made questionnaire developed based on a conceptual model grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, integrating various demographic variables. The measurement scale for the main constructs of the study utilized a five-point Likert scale. The face and content validity of each construct's items in the questionnaire were confirmed through expert opinion, while the reliability was computed using Cronbach's alpha, yielding values ranging from 0.71 to 0.88. Statistical methods, including correlation coefficient tests and multiple regression analysis, were employed to analyze the study's results using SPSS version 22. Findings: The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that perceived behavioral control (β = 0.326, sig = 0.000), attitude toward bank loans (β = 0.098, sig = 0.009), subjective norms (β = 0.160, sig = 0.000), knowledge of the borrowing process (β = 0.165, sig = 0.000), and perceived quality of banking services (β = 0.076, sig = 0.036) had a positive and significant impact on the intention to obtain bank loans. Conversely, age (β = -0.452, sig = 0.000) was found to have a negative and significant effect on the intention to secure bank loans. Additionally, other demographic variables, such as previous borrowing experience, participation in greenhouse management classes, gender, and education level did not have a significant impact on the intention to obtain bank loans. Conclusion/ implication: The results emphasize that investors and business owners should focus on improving their attitudes towards bank loans and increasing their awareness of the borrowing process. Overall, this study highlights the importance of enhancing the financial knowledge of greenhouse managers as a key strategy. It is recommended that banks and financial institutions strengthen this knowledge among their clients by providing appropriate educational programs in the areas of borrowing and financial management. Such initiatives could contribute to increasing customer satisfaction and improving the financial performance of these institutions. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_732029.html Focusing on playhouses in Golestan Province that aim to foster entrepreneurial skills in children, this study examines the impact of service marketing on customer subscription renewal as well as the behavioral differences of parents based on gender. Methodology: This study was designed with a quantitative and survey-based approach. In terms of purpose, it is descriptive-analytical and seeks to identify and prioritize the factors influencing parents’ decisions to renew or cancel their child’s membership in child-centered playhouses. The statistical population consisted of customers of private children’s playhouses in Golestan Province. Given the unlimited population size, Cochran’s formula was employed to determine the sample size. For data collection, a two-stage cluster sampling method was applied. In total, 450 questionnaires were distributed among the customers (parents) of playhouses, of which 413 were completed correctly and included in the analysis. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, and its validity was verified through content validity assessment. In the first stage, to describe the statistical population and evaluate sample homogeneity or heterogeneity, gender was used as the clustering criterion for one of the demographic characteristics. In the second stage, to evaluate the indicators affecting customer behavior, the information gain ratio weighting index was applied to construct a decision tree for each cluster. Data analysis was carried out using RapidMiner software. Findings: The results indicated that parents rely on multiple complex and diverse criteria when deciding to cancel or renew their children’s memberships in playhouses, and this decision-making process becomes more intricate when gender is taken into account. Applying the information gain ratio index to prioritize 34 service marketing indicators separately for male and female clusters revealed substantial behavioral differences between the two groups, highlighting the significant role of gender in customer decision-making. To better explain these behavioral differences, decision tree analysis was employed. The optimal decision tree for the male cluster, with a prediction accuracy of 76.36%, showed that the mobile text messaging indicator played a crucial role in distinguishing customers in this cluster regarding membership cancellation/renewal, occupying the root node (node zero). In contrast, the optimal decision tree for the female cluster, with a prediction accuracy of 76.07%, demonstrated that the good reputation and positive image of the playhouse was the most influential factor in distinguishing customers’ decisions in this cluster, also occupying the root node. Conclusion/ Implications: The findings of the study revealed that parents’ loyalty to child-centered playhouses is influenced by environmental, service-related, and communication factors, with clear behavioral differences based on parental gender. Providing a clean and well-equipped environment, ensuring continuous communication, enhancing reputation and brand image, and designing services tailored to the preferences of both male and female parents were identified as key practical strategies to increase membership renewal and customer loyalty. These insights can serve as a foundation for strategic decision-making by managers to improve service quality and ensure the economic sustainability of child-centered businesses. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_733012.html Introduction: There have long been different attitudes and beliefs towards the social activities and participation of women and men in Iran. Among them, we can mention the differences in attitudes towards employment and education. Women constitute half of the population of countries, have a high participation in obtaining scientific and educational degrees, but have a weaker presence in important jobs and political and economic opportunities. These factors have caused societies and especially organizations to be deprived of the talents and activities of half of their valuable resources. By eliminating these gaps and inequalities in organizations, not only can a new spirit be breathed into the monotonous structure of management and leadership in organizations, but also concerns and possible conflicts between male and female employees can be minimized. This research examines the gender gap in the education system and labor market in Iran with the aim of examining the size and reasons for these inequalities and their effects on society. Methodology: The present research is based on an interpretive paradigm. Based on the fundamental purpose and in terms of data type, it is considered qualitative (pattern analysis). Semi-structured and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Researchers conducted 125 interviews with students and staff of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad along with their families. They used dual situations (real-life scenarios) to collect and interpret their different discourses and attitudes towards gender roles of women and men. The sampling method was available and the sample size was determined based on the theoretical saturation of the categories. In order to analyze the data, the pattern analysis method was used. Findings: The findings indicate that legal, cultural, and procedural discrimination, along with gender stereotypes, have led to inequality in women's employment and promotion. For example, prioritizing maternal and domestic roles over women's professional careers, high expectations for girls to care for their parents, family financial support for sons, and the perception of women's income as a supplemental income have limited women's access to academic positions, political arenas, and economic resources. Conclusion/ Implications: The study showed that people's beliefs and attitudes, especially in areas such as elections and important decision-making, have a greater impact than the law. Therefore, institutions can help change and adjust gender beliefs and stereotypes and reduce discrimination in society through culture building. Educational reforms should be carried out along with broader social changes in order to increase women's participation and agency in all sectors. Therefore, policy recommendations could include enforcing anti-discrimination laws, promoting gender-sensitive practices in the workplace, supporting women's career advancement, and encouraging shared family responsibilities between men and women. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_733013.html Abstract Introduction: Entrepreneurship studies influenced by the propositions of neoliberal economics have focused more on the material and instrumental achievements of entrepreneurship by adopting a linear approach. The fundamental assumption of this article, influenced by the theoretical propositions of critical sociology, is that entrepreneurship is a "transformative" phenomenon with "unintended" consequences and can have different effects for different groups. In order to examine the above assumption, the consequences of the entrepreneurial experience - cooperative companies of water pumping stations in Dareh Shahr County, Ilam Province - have been studied.Methodology: The present study is an evaluation research. For this purpose, by changing the application of the Postel method, it seeks to study the consequences of the aforementioned entrepreneurial experience for the surrounding environment. For this purpose, first, using semi-structured interviews to achieve theoretical saturation, it explored the consequences of the entrepreneurial experience under study by interviewing 22 people consisting of experts and stakeholders.Findings: Analysis of the research data showed that the entrepreneurial experience under study, contrary to the linear logic governing entrepreneurship studies that have only emphasized the outcome of profitability and job creation, has positive and negative consequences in various political, economic, social, environmental, technological, and legal areas. This entrepreneurial experience has been accompanied by positive consequences such as generating income, establishing secondary industries, maintaining social solidarity, maintaining the population, strengthening the spirit of hard work, expanding cultural and artistic activities, reducing political dissatisfaction, establishing secondary and transformation industries, improving the technical skills of stakeholders, making water management smarter, defining land as a bank deposit for cooperative members, and reducing environmental pollution. The lack of supervision and management in the past decade has led to the emergence of undesirable consequences of this experience such as social inequality and water monopolization, waste of virtual water, and salinization of lands..Conclusion/ Implications: By creating sensitivity to the consequences of entrepreneurship, this article has shown that entrepreneurship can be explained as a "rhizome" because it can simultaneously have a desirable and undesirable effect on various aspects of its environment, from increasing solidarity and the sustainability of the population and welfare to creating inequality and exploitation and environmental pollution. In other words, entrepreneurial actions should be considered multiple, unpredictable and uncertain starting points rather than being considered ending points. The goal is not to condemn entrepreneurship; rather, it is to propose a critical confrontation with entrepreneurship in order to promise the realization of a "more humane" and "fairer" form of entrepreneurship, as well as to propose a link between "entrepreneurship politics" and "liberation politics" in order to eliminate inequality and "life politics". That is, an effort to develop the possibilities of enjoyment and a satisfying life for all, and finally to pose the question of how entrepreneurship can be transformed into an "ethical" practice?Keywords: Entrepreneurship, critical sociology, entrepreneurship consequences, critical entrepreneurship studies. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734064.html Introduction: The emergence of generative AI and large language models has turned the development of ChatGPT-based extensions into a main route of software innovation; yet the life-cycle of such tools—shaped by data drift, constant base-model updates and the difficulty of collecting early user feedback—does not fit linear or even classical agile templates. The absence of a process that unifies rapid prompt iteration, heuristic evaluation and LLMOps maintenance creates a marked operational gap. Traditional waterfall and even Scrum assume early, stable user insight, something rarely available when prompts substitute for hard requirements and model updates modify behaviour overnight. Without a dedicated process, teams risk either premature user exposure or endless internal tinkering. This study therefore seeks to bridge the gap by proposing a non-linear, flexible process that guides the creation and evolution of ChatGPT extensions, reconnecting software-engineering theory with the concrete demands of GenAI systems. Methodology: The research followed a qualitative, inductive content-analysis design. Twelve experts in AI, product design and software engineering participated in semi-structured interviews lasting 40–80 minutes each. Transcripts were double-coded for reliability; inter-coder comparison ensured consistency. The interview guide covered need identification, concept evolution, quality assessment, integration with external agents, process differences and security concerns. Initial codes were mapped onto the Stage-Gate framework and then iteratively refined until theoretical saturation emerged, yielding the final pattern. Coding proceeded in NVivo; disagreements were resolved through discussion until kappa exceeded 0.75, indicating acceptable reliability. This constant-comparison approach preserved analytical rigour while allowing new categories to surface. Findings: Coding produced the “BML-H cycle”: (1) vision-driven building, (2) internal test-design, (3) heuristic evaluation replacing early external feedback, (4) a composite learning loop—heuristic, qualitative and quantitative, (5) heuristic decision-making for iteration or progression, (6) innovators’ feedback after reaching an MVP, and (7) finalisation coupled with continuous LLMOps maintenance. The process proved parallel, adaptive and capable of keeping pace with rapid base-model change. Unlike classical BML, the cycle starts from a vision rather than a falsifiable hypothesis and treats developer intuition as a first-class evaluation metric until a usable prototype permits metric-based testing. Conclusion: The BML-H cycle demonstrates that success in designing ChatGPT extensions hinges on fusing developer intuition with systematically staged feedback. By embedding heuristic judgement, multi-metric dashboards such as HELM and ongoing model upkeep in a single loop, the model balances exploration speed with responsibility and quality. Consequently, it narrows the gap between agile theory and the intricate realities of GenAI, offering practitioners, researchers and start-ups a concrete roadmap for delivering generative-AI products to market faster, with lower risk and higher added value. For policy-makers, the framework highlights the need to couple regulatory guidance with tooling that supports traceable prompt evolution. For educators, it offers a scaffold for curricula that merge software-engineering, HCI and machine-learning operations. Future studies can extend the model with quantitative checkpoints and automate parts of the heuristic loop. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734122.html Introduction: Digital transformation in rural communities, as a modern driver of development, has created vast opportunities for economic growth in villages. Despite their significant capabilities in local production and economic activities, rural women face challenges in effectively utilizing new technologies and launching digital businesses. This study, focused on Golestan Province, aims to identify the limiting factors in the development of digital enterprises among rural women. The importance of this research lies in its exploration of existing barriers, providing a foundation for designing practical strategies to promote the economic and social empowerment of women. Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach. The statistical population includes rural women with experience in digital-based economic activities. A purposive sample of 60 participants was selected using specialized criteria aligned with the research objectives. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-person interviews, each averaging 45 minutes. Theoretical saturation was achieved when no new themes emerged and the data became repetitive. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis across three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. In the first stage, initial concepts were extracted; in the second, conceptual categorization was performed; and in the third, key themes were highlighted. For each theme, frequency and percentage were calculated using SPSS version 27, and based on these metrics, axial and overarching codes were prioritized. The final results were presented in the form of a coherent analytical framework. Findings: The study identified five primary barriers—lack of supportive policies, insufficient technical training, traditional views on women's roles, absence of financial models, and limited access to digital equipment—with over 70% frequency among participants. In contrast, themes such as privacy concerns and lack of networking appeared with less than 40% frequency. Thematic analysis across four dimensions revealed that lack of training (75%), financial models (73.3%), supportive policies (80%), and cultural resistance (78.3%) were the most critical barriers in their respective domains. Overall, cultural, familial, and psychological factors accounted for the highest impact (26.49%) in limiting women's digital participation, while technological barriers had the lowest share (23.35%). Conclusion/ Implications: The findings of this study indicate that cultural and familial barriers play the most significant role in limiting women's participation, emphasizing the influence of traditional mindsets and social conflicts. Economic and institutional challenges—such as lack of financial resources, absence of supportive policies, and weak legal infrastructure—also threaten the sustainability of businesses. Technological barriers, though less prominent, can either facilitate or hinder the effective use of digital capacities. Based on this analysis, four practical strategies are proposed: transforming cultural attitudes, providing microfinance, establishing support institutions, and designing localized educational platforms. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734123.html Abstract Introduction: Renewable energies are among the most critical factors for achieving sustainable economic and environmental development. By diversifying the energy portfolio and ensuring energy security, they are compatible with the environment and play a significant role in enhancing public health and expanding employment. As a country endowed with substantial potential in this domain and a high unemployment rate, Iran can leverage this opportunity to generate sustainable employment. Consequently, the central question of this research is the identification and causal analysis of factors affecting entrepreneurship development in the renewable energy sector. Methodology: This study is applied in purpose and qualitative in nature. The required data were collected through environmental scanning using purposive sampling, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. Environmental scanning was conducted across three layers: documentary scanning, event scanning, and expertise scanning. Subsequently, qualitative content analysis was employed to identify key drivers, resulting in the extraction of 167 key variables and 16 overarching drivers, categorized using the STEEP-V technique. To analyze these drivers and answer the research question, the Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) method was utilized. Findings: Based on the Causal Layered Analysis, four primary levels were identified: myth-metaphor, worldview/discourse, social systems, and litany level. At the deepest level of myth/metaphor, future developments, vision design, and societal culture towards environmental preservation and production were highlighted. The worldview/discourse level encompassed policy structure and management style. The social systems level included the review and reform of regulations and their stability, infrastructural factors, demographic factors, education, rapid technological growth, access to technology markets, and research and development (R&D). Finally, the surface-level litany contained issues such as startup costs, supportive factors, competitive advantage creation, and attention to regional capacities. Conclusion/Achievements: The main conclusion of this research is that achieving entrepreneurship development in renewable energy necessitates a transformation in the beliefs and mindsets of stakeholders, supported by congruent policies and cultural shifts. Therefore, policies must be directed towards fostering innovative thinking, collective participation, and infrastructural facilitation to create a conducive environment for innovation and investment in renewable energies. The key achievement of this study is the provision of a comprehensive, time-bound roadmap that designs operational strategies for four distinct layers-ranging from fundamental changes in dominant beliefs and discourses to regulatory reforms and the reduction of financial barriers. This framework provides a systematic pathway for policymakers and entrepreneurs to accelerate the transition towards a green economy and realize the vision of clean energy in Iran. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734145.html Introduction: In recent years, rural sustainable development has emerged as one of the strategic priorities in national and regional policymaking. Within this context, startups, as the main drivers of the local economy, play a crucial role in generating employment, increasing household income, and preventing rural migration. However, one of the fundamental challenges in the growth of these businesses is the lack of physical and spatial infrastructures tailored to local needs and capacities. Vernacular sustainable architecture, as a reflection of regional culture, climate, and economy, can provide an appropriate foundation for the formation and sustainability of small-scale economic activities. This study, focusing on the role of vernacular architectural sustainability in the development of rural startups in Golestan Province, seeks to propose a conceptual framework for utilizing spatial capacities to economically empower rural communities. Methodology: The present study is applied in nature and was conducted using a survey method within the framework of a mixed (qualitative – quantitative) approach. The statistical population consisted of residents and owners of startups in three villages Mahian Katul, Vasi’-Sar, and Rig-Cheshmeh located in Aliabad County, Golestan Province. From this population, 150 individuals were randomly selected as the sample. The research instrument was a researcher-designed questionnaire. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure the items. The validity of the instrument was assessed through content and face validity with expert opinions, as well as convergent validity using the Average Variance Extracted (AVE). Discriminant validity was confirmed using the Fornell–Larcker criterion, and reliability was verified through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Composite Reliability (CR). At the descriptive level, SPSS27 was employed to extract statistical indicators, while at the inferential level, structural equation modeling was performed using Smart PLS3. Findings: The analysis of structural model relationships revealed that sustainable vernacular architecture has a direct, positive, and significant effect (β = 0.841) on the development of rural startups. Among the components, “compatibility with the local economy and rural livelihoods” demonstrated the strongest positive and significant impact (β = 0.733) on the development of rural startups. In addition, the components of “climatic and environmental alignment” and “structural safety through the use of local materials” also showed high coefficients, highlighting their important role in enhancing economic resilience and optimizing resources. In the final model, the components of “compatibility with the local economy” and “improving the experience of tourists and buyers” obtained the highest factor loadings. Conclusion/ Implications: Based on the findings, sustainable vernacular architecture can serve as a development-oriented framework for economic empowerment, the preservation of cultural identity, and the enhancement of social capital in rural communities, while also fostering the growth of startups and promoting economic diversification in villages. The results of this study are particularly relevant for rural development policymakers, spatial and economic planning institutions, and organizations engaged in cultural heritage preservation. These groups can utilize the principles of sustainability in vernacular architecture as a strategic tool in spatial, economic, and social policymaking. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734148.html Introduction: The adoption of digital economy transformation has become a fundamental and undeniable prerequisite for achieving sustainable development, competitiveness, and advanced innovation in technology-based economic ecosystems. Within this context, entrepreneurs, as pioneers of transformation, are considered the main drivers of this transition in the economic ecosystem. In the specific economic context of Iran, which faces challenges such as traditional structures, the technology gap, and the need for sustainable employment, it can be said that adopting the digital economy is a necessity, not a choice. Accordingly, the present study aims to identify the factors affecting the adoption of digital economy transformation among top Iranian entrepreneurs, with particular emphasis on the technical, organizational, environmental, and strategic dimensions that can pave the way for the digitalization of the economy. Methodology: This applied research employs an exploratory mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through content analysis of library resources and semi-structured interviews with top Iranian entrepreneurs. Participants were selected via snowball sampling, with theoretical saturation reached after 25 interviews; however, interviews continued up to 38 individuals to enrich the data. Reliability was confirmed using Cohen’s Kappa (0.7), and validity was ensured through expert review. Qualitative data were coded and categorized using thematic content analysis. For the quantitative phase, a questionnaire based on the qualitative findings was designed, covering technical, organizational, environmental, and strategic categories. It was validated by experts and finalized after a pilot test (n=10). The researcher-made questionnaire, using a five-point Likert scale, was distributed to 258 entrepreneurs, university professors, and field experts. Data analysis involved Cronbach’s alpha, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in SPSS, followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS. Findings: The study identified eight factors influencing the acceptance of digital economic transformation. Among them, trust in emerging technologies (factor loading = 0.936; β = 0.41), data management capability (factor loading = 0.910; β = 0.39), and organizational flexibility (factor loading = 0.866; β = 0.35) were found to be the most influential. Other contributing factors included awareness of digital opportunities, adaptability to change, risk acceptance, process innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Collectively, these eight factors explained 64.25% of the variance in digital transformation acceptance. Conclusion/ Implications: The findings indicate that success in adopting the digital economy requires a holistic approach encompassing technical, organizational, environmental, and behavioral dimensions. This study provides strategic and operational insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions, emphasizing the need to create an innovation ecosystem, enhance stakeholder collaboration, develop supportive infrastructure and programs, and improve entrepreneurs' adaptability to facilitate the transition to a digital economy https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734171.html ABSTRACT Introduction: In today’s rapidly evolving knowledge-based economies, innovation is recognized as a fundamental driver of organizational growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. In an increasingly turbulent world where technology and knowledge are the cornerstones of advancement, organizations are compelled to pursue continuous innovation to maintain their market position and enhance productivity. As intellectual capital gradually replaces physical assets as the primary source of value creation, fostering innovative behavior among employees has become a strategic priority for many organizations. Within this context, knowledge sharing plays a pivotal role in enabling collective learning, solving complex problems, and disseminating innovative ideas. However, the effectiveness of such processes can be significantly influenced by various organizational and environmental factors, among which social capital and organizational acceptance of error sharing are particularly critical. These two factors, by fostering trust, promoting transparency, and creating a foundation for continuous improvement, substantially enhance innovation processes. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the impact of knowledge sharing on employees’ innovative behavior, while also examining the moderating roles of social capital and error sharing in this relationship. The research seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of the key enablers of innovation at the employee level and the optimization of organizational processes. Methodology: This study adopts a descriptive-correlational research design with a survey-based approach. To test the conceptual model and analyze hypothesized relationships, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed. The statistical population comprised 700 employees of the Toos Power Plant in Mashhad, from which 172 participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using standardized and validated questionnaires and analyzed through SPSS and AMOS statistical software. Findings: The results indicate that knowledge sharing has a significant and positive effect on employees’ innovative behavior. Furthermore, social capital and error sharing were found to play moderating roles, significantly strengthening this relationship. These findings suggest that enhancing an organization’s capacity for generating, adopting, and implementing novel ideas requires fostering a culture that supports open knowledge exchange, reinforces interpersonal relationships, and embraces learning from errors as an integral part of continuous improvement. Conclusion/ Implications: This research highlights the critical importance of cultivating an organizational culture that promotes open knowledge sharing, strong interpersonal connections, and constructive engagement with errors. Such a culture can serve as a catalyst for innovation and bolster organizational adaptability in dynamic and competitive environments. The study provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for managers and policymakers seeking to foster organizational innovation through strategic investments in knowledge management and cultural development. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734209.html Introduction: Ilam province, with over 430 km of shared border with Iraq and hosting the strategic Mehran crossing – through which millions of pilgrims and travelers pass annually – holds a unique geopolitical position. Cultural, linguistic, and religious affinities with neighboring Iraqi provinces position Ilam as a natural gateway for attracting health tourists from Iraq’s multi-billion-dollar market. Despite significant treatment potential and infrastructure, the province’s share of this lucrative market remains negligible. The core challenge lies not in shortages of medical equipment or specialists, but in distorted patient attraction and retention processes dominated by informal brokerage networks. These networks foster black markets, impose opaque pricing and exorbitant commissions, inflate final treatment costs, diminish service quality, erode foreign patient trust, and increase risks of no-shows or appointment cancellations. This study aims to transition from the current traditional, opaque model to a data-driven digital ecosystem that reduces information asymmetry and restores lost trust among Iraqi patients. Methodology: This research employs a Design Science Research (DSR) approach. Following expert interviews and field needs assessment, a novel four-layer software architecture based on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and microservices was proposed. This innovative architecture comprises: a multi-channel Presentation & Access Layer (bilingual mobile app for patients, web portal for physicians, and governance dashboard); an API Gateway & Security Layer; a Core Business Services Layer featuring an Intelligent Decision Support System, integrated logistics management, and an escrow-based financial clearing mechanism; and an Infrastructure & Deployment Layer leveraging Docker and Kubernetes for automatic scalability. The central component is a Clinical Registry System built on the HL7 FHIR standard, ensuring seamless interoperability with other medical centers. Model validation involved a descriptive-analytical survey of Iraqi health tourists at the Mehran border. Findings: The proposed model (Ilam-HTR), utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms, delivers key innovations: 1) A Hybrid Recommender System that analyzes clinical match, language proficiency, reputation score, and availability to suggest suitable physicians with 84.5% accuracy, and 2) A No-Show prediction module employing the XGBoost algorithm to estimate cancellation risks. Simulation results show the platform sustains response times under 200 milliseconds at high traffic loads (up to 5000 concurrent users), vital for peak seasons like Arbaeen. Field data revealed a digital trust paradox: 90% of patients showed strong preference for an official app over brokers, yet only 39% were willing to make online advance payments, largely due to financial insecurity and absent shared banking infrastructure. Conclusion/Implicatins: Developing an intelligent software infrastructure with the proposed novel architecture is a prerequisite for eliminating information asymmetry and reviving eroded trust among Iraqi patients. This study recommends that provincial policymakers establish a Regulatory Sandbox in the Mehran Free Zone to enable HealthTech startup operations, thereby completing the health tourism value chain and significantly enhancing the province’s foreign currency revenue potential. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734211.html Introduction: Today, the economies ofmany developed and developing countries are largely driven by small andmedium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and, more fundamentally, bysuccessful entrepreneurs. These firms play asignificant role inindustrial development and job creation. Consequently, innovative startups have become key contributors tothe success ofnumerous industries and national economies. In thiscontext, accelerators recognized asa specific category ofstartup-oriented organizations- provide structured development programs fortechnology-based startups toenhance their products and services. Through mentorship, networking, managerial support, professional expertise, access tostakeholder resources, and office space, accelerators facilitate startup survival and growth. Given the vital role of accelerators in supporting entrepreneurial success, this study aims to conduct astrategic analysis ofthe success factors ofinnovation accelerators located inPardis Science and Technology Park. Methodology: This study is applied interms ofpurpose and descriptive–survey in terms ofdata collection. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative thematic analysis andquantitative evaluation using Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy DEMATEL) and Analytic Network Process (ANP). The statistical population consisted ofmanagers and experts associated with innovation accelerators inPardis Science andTechnology Park. Thirteen experts were selected through asnowball sampling method andparticipated inboth qualitative and quantitative phases. Data collection instruments included semi-structured interviews in the qualitative phase andpairwise comparison questionnaires inthe quantitative phase. Validity was ensured through face validity, andreliability was assessed using the inter-coder agreement method. Findings: The results identified five main categories of success factors for innovation accelerators: strategic factors (networking, coherent programs, and action-oriented orientation); market-related factors (market knowledge andfinancial resources); product-related factors (type of product and strong branding); human factors (human capital andmentoring); and contextual factors (efficient ecosystem, appropriate location, and field of activity). The findings fromthe Fuzzy DEMATEL analysis revealed that strong branding, an efficient ecosystem, appropriate location, financial resources, coherent programs, andnetworking were the most influential factors, whereas mentoring, action-oriented orientation, field of activity, product type, market knowledge, andhuman capital were the most influenced factors. Moreover, the results indicated that contextual and market-related factors were themost influential dimensions, while human, strategic, and product-related factors were the most influenced dimensions of accelerator success. The ANP results showed that the highest weights among success factors belonged respectively to human capital (0.117), market knowledge (0.110), strong branding (0.105), financial resources (0.102), product type (0.097), mentoring (0.092), networking (0.080), action-oriented orientation (0.068), field of activity (0.064), coherent programs (0.062), efficient ecosystem (0.061), andappropriate location (0.046). Conclusion/ Implications: The findings demonstrate thatthe success ofinnovation accelerators in Pardis Science and Technology Park depends on five interrelated dimensions: contextual, market-oriented, human, strategic, and product-oriented factors. The causal andweighted analysis ofthese factors using Fuzzy DEMATEL and ANP highlights the critical roleof human capital, market knowledge, strong branding, and financial resources in accelerator performance. Therefore, accelerator success requires amultidimensional approach grounded in the design of anefficient innovation ecosystem, the development of professional mentors, in-depth market understanding, and the formulation of coherent acceleration programs. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in proposing an analytical framework for prioritizing accelerator success factors, while its practical contributions include policy recommendations for supporting accelerators, standardizing accelerator performance, and strengthening innovation infrastructures in Iran. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734231.html Introduction: Due to labor market changes, graduates unemployment, and the growing expectations for universities to train work-ready students, equipping graduates with the qualifications to manage their career paths and employability has become a significant indicator of higher education success. Career development learning (CDL), which relates to the content and process of career development or career management, can lead to the acquisition of competencies for lifelong career management and effective decision-making regarding career options, and professional development. Considering the importance of this concept in modern higher education and its relative limited litrature in the country, this article explores it in depth. Methodology: This review study was conducted to examine the concept of CDL as an approach to student lifelong career development and management. Given the limited literature in the country, international literature was reviewed. In this regard, the CDL definition, conceptual evolutionary history, dimensions, and its comparison with the most important related term, namely, employability, were discussed. Examining the DOTS model as one of the most prominent and practical models in this field, the operational dimensions of this concept were addressed. Findings: One of the key concepts of student employability is CDL, which can be considered as one of its components or as a meta-skill, considering different perceptions of employability. CDL adds two crucial dimensions of directionality and sustainability to the student employability that makes employability a lifelong process. Theories such as human capital, career construction, social cognitive career, and experiential learning, among others, can be considered as theoretical foundations of CDL in higher education. Various approaches to integrating CDL are conceivable. Several methods are conceivable to address CDL in higher education. These methods include strengthening students' reflection and evaluation on experience or course topics in line with their future career path; strengthening students' self-awareness; greater knowledge of the world of work and its impact on their field of study and future job roles; strengthening understanding of the impact of various environmental factors on their career path; researching possible future career options tailored to the individual's circumstances by students; paying attention to employment processes and skills that employers value and prioritize; developing job search methods; and developing a career plan. The DOTS model is a reliable foundation for effective implementation of CDL. Conclusion/ Implications: This paper emphasizes the necessity of addressing the theoretical and practical dimensions of CDL in the country’s higher education system as an undeniable matter. For implementing CDL, first of all, an appropriate model is crucial. In addition to being scientific, this model should be comprehensive and understandable for non-specialist stakeholders such as students and educators. This is adequately provided in the DOTS model. In addition, while considering the challenges of implementing CDL in higher education and adopting an appropriate approach to integrating CDL into the curriculum, due attention should be paid to the training and empowerment of those in charge of centers related to career counseling or education in universities, as well as students and professors. https://jer.ilam.ac.ir/article_734337.html Introduction: Entrepreneurial behavioral performance in Iran is presented as a key indicator for explaining the success of tech-enabled startups; because the combination of entrepreneurs’ personal characteristics with team behaviors and operational responses constitutes the core of creating sustainable competitive advantage. Attention to these behavioral dimensions can lead to a deeper understanding of growth cycles, investor attraction, and the sustainability of business models in the country’s digital economy, and provides a framework for measuring and improving team performance and investment efficiency. The aim of this study, in the first stage, is to identify the dimensions and components of entrepreneurial behavior in tech-enabled startups, and in the second stage develop an efficient model to deliver guidelines and optimal behavioral rules for entrepreneurship based on the components identified in the previous section. Methodology: This study follows a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative section, using bibliometric and text-mining tools as well as RapidMiner 9.10 and Excel 2016, the period 2013–2023 and a corpus of 1,200 articles are examined for a systematic literature review; subsequently, the dimensions and components that constitute entrepreneurial performance are clustered and identified. In the quantitative sectio, the genetic metaheuristic algorithm was used using MATLAB software, which is one of the best and most effective optimization algorithms for finding the best subset of a set of strings or graphs. Findings: The findings are presented in two sections. First, in the qualitative section, 143 records were reviewed and analyzed; using a text-mining approach, seven main clusters were identified: competitiveness and risk acceptance, investment, linkage with the system, growth, innovation and initiative, skills, capabilities and competencies, learning of knowledge and the perception of discoverability. The reliability and validity of the extracted constructs were assessed with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.862 at the 0.01 significance level, indicating satisfactory reliability. The dimensions and components identified in the qualitative analysis were used as inputs to the quantitative model with Global Entrepreneurship Monitordata and the evolutionary algorithm to determine optimal weights and the relationships among the dimensions. This arrangement provides flexibility and operability of the model across technology-driven environments and different countries. The Iran status from 2014 to 2023 shows that over this decade, Iran experienced an adverse condition only in 2020, while in other years Iran fell into the category of relatively to very adverse countries regarding entrepreneurship and the startup sector. Conclusion / Contributions: The findings show that the dimensions and components identified from the qualitative analysis using the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data and the Genetic Metaheuristic Algorithm were integrated into the quantitative model to optimally determine the weights, effects, and relationships between the dimensions. This approach leads to the presentation of a set of optimal rules of entrepreneurial behavior in technology-based startups. The overall conclusion is that the combination of qualitative and quantitative data using the metaheuristic approach provides an efficient and practical model for startup managers and policymakers to facilitate the path of entrepreneurial development with optimal decisions.