Conceptual modeling of opportunity recognition in university technological agro-startups

This research was carried out to explain a conceptual model for training opportunity recognition by university technological startups in agriculture in Golestan province. This research as a mixed method research has been done in two phases in 2018. The first phase as a qualitative research was performed through descriptive phenomenology method. Semi-structured deep interviews were implemented to collect data. Statistical population of this research consisted of 100 university technological agro-startups in Golestan province (N=100). Through purposeful sampling, 40 students were selected as sample or interviewee. Data collection process was continued until reaching theoretical saturation and usefulness threshold of available information. Based on Colaizzi's method, the qualitative thematic content analysis was carried out to analyze the collected data. In the second phase of research, using, a questionnaire containing characteristics of the respondents and five dimensions of opportunity recognition behavior was compiled based on the first phase findings and filled by respondents for completion. Data were analyzed using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential (non-parametric Friedman tests) with SPSS software. The findings of research led to the extraction of five dimensions of opportunity recognition education: entrepreneurial opportunity features (perception of opportunity); entrepreneurial opportunity assessment criteria; capabilities associated with entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and exploitation; determinants of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and exploitation; and learning trajectories for entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and exploitation. In order to summarize research findings, extraction and categorization of main representative themes of the five dimensions were made in the form of a conceptual model.