Devising the Structure of a Nanotechnology Innovation Ecosystem (A Focus on the Role of Research and Technology Organizations in Developing the Nanotechnology Innovation Ecosystem)

Nanotechnology has begun to operate in Iran since the beginning of the 1980s in line with the attention of the world community towards this technology. This innovation ecosystem has developed and obtained significant achievements, particularly in the field of science in the twenty-year life cycle of nanotechnology. However, the number of patents and the income from the sale of Nano-products have not grown in proportion with the development of scientific indicators. As the optimal activity of an ecosystem is the result of a joint effort of a diverse set of actors and the relationships among them, the purpose of this research is to analyze the current structure of this ecosystem and its communication mechanisms to make proposals for improving the design of ecosystem structure.

This is an interpretive piece of research, which carried out the Action Research strategy with three cycles of actions. Conducting this research, a conceptual model was outlined as the framework for the structural design of the Nano Ecosystem in Iran, based on the Viable System Model. Then, the actors active in the ecosystem were identified and located in the designed conceptual model to determine the established structure of the ecosystem and its shortcomings. Finally, based on the theoretical foundations and attitudes of experts, proposals for the optimal design of the ecosystem structure were made. The data of the research was collected in a targeted manner by reviewing documents, distributing questionnaires, and forming focus groups to confirm the obtained results.

According to the designed conceptual model by the researchers and the goals of the second ten-year document on nanotechnology development, it is necessary to create an important actor called "Research and Technology Organization" to be responsible for connecting industry and university in the Innovation Ecosystem of Nanotechnology. In addition, the establishment of communication mechanisms such as industry support programs and research and development consortia are crucial for realizing ecosystem goals.

The purposes of the innovation ecosystem are achieved when all the actors are active and the relationships among them are properly established. In order to achieve such goals, the Innovation Ecosystem of Nanotechnology in Iran requires the creation of actors and communication mechanisms that do not currently exist. The major absent player in this ecosystem is an organization called "Research and Technology Organization", which is responsible for facilitating the process of communication between industry and university.