تبیین سازوکارهای زیست‌بوم نوآوری برای توسعه استارتاپ‌های ورزشی با تأکید بر نقش فرهنگ، تعامل با صنعت و توانمندی کارآفرینانه

شکوفه شفیعی; رضا صابونچی; عباس باقری

Authors

Shokoofeh Shafiei ¹ Department of sport management, Bo.C. Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2957-1333
Reza Saboonchi Department of sport management, Bo.C. Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8514-6583
Abbas Bagheri Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5697-3465

Keywords:

Innovation ecosystem, sports startups, entrepreneurial competence, sports industry interaction

Abstract

This study aimed to explain innovation ecosystem mechanisms for the development of sports startups, with particular emphasis on entrepreneurial culture, interaction with the sports industry, and entrepreneurial capability. This applied study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in sport management, entrepreneurship, innovation, and sports startup development using purposive and snowball sampling. The data were analyzed through a six-stage thematic analysis process. Based on the qualitative findings, a 26-item researcher-developed questionnaire covering seven constructs was designed. After evaluating face and content validity, 159 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to assess the measurement and structural models. Institutional support significantly predicted innovative behavior (β=0.21, p=0.005) and entrepreneurial capability (β=0.19, p=0.012). Innovation infrastructure significantly affected innovative behavior (β=0.18, p=0.018). Entrepreneurial culture significantly predicted innovative behavior (β=0.29, p<0.001) and entrepreneurial capability (β=0.27, p<0.001). Interaction with the sports industry significantly influenced innovative behavior (β=0.24, p=0.002), entrepreneurial capability (β=0.31, p<0.001), and sports startup development (β=0.17, p=0.022). Innovative behavior (β=0.26, p=0.001) and entrepreneurial capability (β=0.38, p<0.001) significantly predicted sports startup development. Entrepreneurial capability showed the strongest direct effect, and the model explained 61% of the variance in sports startup development. Sports startup development is shaped by the combined effects of institutional, cultural, relational, and individual factors within the innovation ecosystem. Entrepreneurial capability appears to be the most influential direct driver, while entrepreneurial culture and interaction with the sports industry strengthen startup development by enhancing innovative behavior and entrepreneurial capabilities.

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