The Study of the Affecting Factors of Knowledge Based Firm's Growth and Success

Nowadays, according to development of academic research in the field of high technologies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in stimulating entrepreneurial growth and economic prosperity. So it is necessary to answer the question that what factors causes this firms growth and success. The main purpose of this study is identifying the affecting factors of knowledge based firms growth and success by use of qualitative study. In terms of purpose, this study is practical and the analytical methodology was used. For this purpose semi-structured interview by using thematic analyzing is conducted. Experts whom interviewed are 20
executive managers of top and successful knowledge based firms located in Isfahan Science and Technology Town (ISTT) (Sheikh Bahai) in the last three years. The review of literature, and the results of interviews showed 3main themes that classify the affecting factors of knowledge based firms growth and success to 3 levels: individual, organizational and environmental. Based on the results, it seems that government and environmental conditions play a more important role in providing appropriate context for knowledge based firms’ growth and success. According to the interviews, view government and environmental conditions has main role in success and durability of knowledge based firms and spin-offs. Finally, based on the results, referring to existing shortcomings in the field of this firm’s activity and the main emphases of the experts, the necessary considerations for effective factors reinforcement has provided.