The Model for Sustainability of Knowledge-based Firms in Iran

The Knowledge based economy is the modern economy that in which, the production, distribution and use of knowledge is the main source of growth and wealth creation. Knowledge based firms, are driver of Knowledge based economy. These firms have role in the synergy of science and wealth, development of Knowledge based economy, achievement to the scientific and economic objectives and commercialization of research and development in high technologies. However, due to inherent risks and specific characteristics, growth and sustainability is one of the challenges of these firms’ success. Despite the remarkable effectiveness of these firms, the statistics show that most of them are failed or remain small at the period and few of them be large. Also the successful entry into the market and compete has high uncertainty and several limitations. Therefore, the large number of firms, especially new firms, leave the market early after entering. The aim of this article is to provide a model to explain sustainability and the factors affecting the sustainability of Knowledge based firms in Iran. In this article, concept model and questionnaire is designed after reviewing the literature and an assortment of some of the factors affecting the sustainability of Knowledge based firms, with an emphasis on depth interviews with 12 of managers and experts in field of Knowledge based firms. Finally, the questionnaire was run with the participation of 330 managers of firms located in S&T parks. The results of this study showed that the sustainability is formed of 4 components, including financial results, market outcomes, innovation results and entrepreneurshio results. Secondly, the factors affecting the sustainability of Knowledge based firms, have two main components, including internal factors consisting of 2 factors: individual founders factors and corporative factors and also external factors consisting of 2 factors: the characteristics of business and innovation system components.