Presenting an innovation ecosystem model in the automotive industry supply chain with a focus on startups and knowledge-based companies

Subject Areas : business management

Ali Rashedi ¹ , Alireza Pourebrahimi ^{2 *} , Sayyed Shahroz Seyidi Hosseininia ³

1 - Department of Industrial Management, KA.C., Islamic Azad University, Alborz, Iran
2 - Department of Industrial Management, KA.C., Islamic Azad University, Alborz, Iran
3 - Department of Industrial Management, KA.C., Islamic Azad University, Alborz, Iran

Received: 2025-08-13 Accepted : 2025-09-17 Published : 2025-09-23

Keywords: Innovation ecosystem, startups, knowledge-based companies,

Abstract :

This research aims to present a model of the innovation ecosystem in the automotive industry supply chain, focusing on the role of startups and knowledge-based companies and examining its impact on the success of automotive businesses. In terms of purpose, the research is applied and, from a methodological perspective, it is designed with a sequential and exploratory mixed approach within the framework of the pragmatic paradigm. The qualitative part of the research was conducted using the content analysis method. The statistical population in the qualitative part included academic experts and automotive industry officials, who were selected using a purposive sampling method and until theoretical saturation was reached, 15 people. Data collection in the qualitative part was carried out through source analysis and interviews. The validity of the tools was reviewed and confirmed by the experts and respondents. Data analysis in the qualitative part was carried out with Maxqda-V18 software. The results showed that a successful innovation ecosystem includes key players, infrastructure, and financial performance. The development of technology based on knowledge-based startups also depends on collaboration among stakeholders, innovation capacity, and supply chain alignment. Factors affecting the implementation of this ecosystem include environmental, organizational, and technological factors, and its barriers include financial and cultural challenges. Suggested strategies for the successful implementation of the innovation ecosystem include targeted investment, human resource management, and digital transformation. The validation of the model showed that this model has sufficient validity and can be used by the Ministry of Economy and Finance for career advancement.

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