Compilation a Pattern of Relationships between the Dimensions of the Innovation Ecosystem in Small and Medium Enterprises of East Azerbaijan province

The purpose of this study was to compilated a model of relationships between the dimensions of the innovation ecosystem in small and medium enterprise of East Azerbaijan province

The research method was exploratory. In the qualitative section, based on theme analysis, the dimensions of the innovation ecosystem are identified. Sampling was performed in the form of theoretical saturation. In the quantitative part the pattern of relationships between the dimensions of the innovation ecosystem in small and medium enterprise is formulated. Quantitative data analysis is based on confirmatory factor analysis and interpretive structural modeling. Data collection was done in a quantitative part based on two questionnaires. The statistical population in the factor analysis section, all managers of small and medium industries with a sample of 335 people and in the interpretive structural modeling section were 11 experts in the qualitative section.

The research findings in the qualitative section show seven main themes and thirty-three sub-themes. In the quantitative part, the results of confirmatory factor analysis indicate the appropriateness of each of the confirmatory models. Also, the results of interpretive structural modeling show that the dimensions of the innovation ecosystem in small and medium industries of East Azerbaijan province are in five levels, each of which has direct and indirect relations with other levels.

To increase innovation in small and medium industries, managers of these industries must first focus on artifacts and innovation tools as the main dimensions of the innovation ecosystem of small and medium industries.