Volume 18, Issue 2 (Summer 2026)
2026, 18(2): 92-101 |
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Ethics code: IR.NKUMS.REC.1403.151
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Arvin R, Shahrabi B, Ebrahimzadeh F, Azma F, Nasiri M. Challenges and Strategies for Developing Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Health Incubation Centers: An Ecosystem-Based Approach in Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences. North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences 2026; 18 (2) :92-101
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3388-en.html
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3388-en.html
1- Department of Entrepreneurship, AK.C., Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran
2- Department of Entrepreneurship, AK.C., Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran ,b.shahrabi@iau.ac.ir
3- Department of Educational Management, shirvan branch, Islamic Azad University, Shirvan, Iran
2- Department of Entrepreneurship, AK.C., Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran ,
3- Department of Educational Management, shirvan branch, Islamic Azad University, Shirvan, Iran
Abstract: (32 Views)
Introduction: This research aims to design a strategic framework for developing sustainable entrepreneurship in health growth centers of Iranian universities of medical sciences using an ecosystem approach.
Methods: This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. The statistical population includes entrepreneurship experts, managers of growth centers at Iranian medical sciences universities (such as Tehran, Shahid Beheshti, Iran, Shiraz, Isfahan, and … universities), successful entrepreneurs in the health sector, and relevant faculty members. In the qualitative part, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with experts in health entrepreneurship and managers of growth centers, and were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative part, the findings were analyzed using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to rank and prioritize the factors affecting sustainable development.
Results: The results showed that "weakness in diversifying revenue sources" was selected as the priority challenge, while "lack of marketing and audience attraction strategies" ranked second. "Financial dependency," despite its importance, ranked third, and challenges such as "weakness in networking," "new technologies," and "legal frameworks" ranked in the middle, indicating the need for policymaking and intersectoral interactions. At lower ranks, "Human resource management" and "research application" were important, but their improvement would be facilitated by addressing upstream challenges.
Conclusions: This study identifies effective strategies for developing sustainable entrepreneurship in health growth centers and emphasizes the need to diversify income sources and strengthen collaboration networks. It is also suggested that incubators prioritize adopting new technologies and developing effective marketing strategies. These findings can help managers and policymakers improve the state of entrepreneurship and reduce existing barriers.
Results: The results showed that "weakness in diversifying revenue sources" was selected as the priority challenge, while "lack of marketing and audience attraction strategies" ranked second. "Financial dependency," despite its importance, ranked third, and challenges such as "weakness in networking," "new technologies," and "legal frameworks" ranked in the middle, indicating the need for policymaking and intersectoral interactions. At lower ranks, "Human resource management" and "research application" were important, but their improvement would be facilitated by addressing upstream challenges.
Conclusions: This study identifies effective strategies for developing sustainable entrepreneurship in health growth centers and emphasizes the need to diversify income sources and strengthen collaboration networks. It is also suggested that incubators prioritize adopting new technologies and developing effective marketing strategies. These findings can help managers and policymakers improve the state of entrepreneurship and reduce existing barriers.
Keywords: Development Strategies, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Health Incubators, Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Type of Study: Orginal Research |
Subject:
Basic Sciences
Received: 2025/11/1 | Accepted: 2026/02/28 | Published: 2026/07/1
Received: 2025/11/1 | Accepted: 2026/02/28 | Published: 2026/07/1
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