Designing A Model for the Creation and Development of Knowledge-Based Companies in Human Sciences’ Fields

Considering the importance of knowledge-based companies, this study aimed to determine the framework for the establishment and development of these companies in Humanities.

In this research, a qualitative research grounded theory method was used, utilizing a set of data for the theory establishment. The statistical population consisted of specialists, experts and managers of knowledge-based companies located in Khuzestan province. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from 16 samples from among people described above who were selected through targeted sampling. The main criterion for determining the sample size was to achieve a theoretical saturation point.

Based on the procedure of grounded theory, during the triple stages of coding, open, axial, and selective, 403 open sources and 289 final extracted codes were constructed in the form of 79 concepts and categorized into 6 main categories and 30 subcategories. Open coding consisted of subcategories related to causal, contextual, mediating and pivotal conditions and also strategies, and consequences. The axial phenomenon is based on establishing and developing of Knowledge based companies in Humanities. The theory is represented at the selective coding stage (theorizing) according to the research results.

The pattern extracted analyzing the findings of the research, included four steps: the initial idea, the research and development step, the step of transferring the research results, and the productivity step; also six main strategies were obtained including: management and policy, educational and research activities, platforms and infrastructures, communications and scientific networks, publication and dissemination of knowledge and innovation. Combining variables and the six main strategies, the final model of the process of creating and developing knowledge-based companies in the Humanities was formed. The process of creation and development begins with the creation of ideas, and then covers the stages of scientific research and development of the idea, achievement of results and findings, documentation and transfer of results, making the research findings practical and efficient, the market presentation and the preservation of business position. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to consider and provide a broader view of how to set the conditions and factors affecting this process and its various prerequisites. In other words, in order to succeed in establishing the knowledge-based companies and their development in the fields of Humanities, it is necessary for the academic sector to develop the capacities and capabilities needed to create, develop and transfer research results. This requires the ability to reform research policies, institutionalizing, gaining expertise and skills and etc. In the macroeconomic, political and legal environments of the country, there should also be favorable conditions for the establishment, development and transfer of technology from the academic sector.