بررسی روابط علّی متغیرهای موثر در اکوسیستم نوآوری شرکتی مورد مطالعه، فولاد مبارکه

در فضای کنونی حاکم بر کسب‌وکارها، با توجه به میزان عدم قطعیت‌ها و پیچیدگی، صاحبان بنگاه‌ها به این نتیجه رسیده‌اند که بقا و تداوم حرکت بنگاه در مسیر توسعه، به توجه به معیارهای جدیدی نیازمند است. به عبارت دیگر، تنها عملکرد بنگاه در تعامل فعال با بازیگران پیرامونی ‌در راستای پیشبرد نوآوری و تحول در مبانی مدیریت، با محوریت تعامل ‌در یک بستر زنده و رو به تکامل، ضامن صحت مسیر توسعۀ بنگاه است. مفهوم اکوسیستم نوآوری، یک مفهوم بنیادین به شمار می‎‍رود و برای این نگرش جدید، به راهکار نوین مذکور مطرح شده است. تحلیل صحیح شاخص‌های پویایی و بقای اکوسیستم، به شناسایی کاستی‌های ساختاری، عملکردی و راهبردی در اکوسیستم کمک می‎‍کند و در صورت لزوم، بازیگران کلیدی را به اصلاح و بازتعریف سازوکارها و حتی نقش‌ها در اکوسیستم سوق می‎‍دهد. این مطالعه برای تحلیل فضای پیچیده و بسیار پویای اکوسیستم، ابتدا عوامل و متغیرهای موثر بر اکوسیستم را در طول زمان شناسایی و با روش دلفی فازی ، این متغیرها را غربال کرده است؛ سپس برای نشان‌دادن تعاملات در بستر اکوسیستم، نمودار روابط علّی متغیرها را ترسیم کرده ‌است. درنهایت، اکوسیستم نوآوری فولاد مبارکه به‎‍عنوان یک نمونه با فرآیند فوق، تحلیل شده ‌است. در این پژوهش، 28 متغیر تاثیرگذار بر شرایط اکوسیستم نوآوری فولاد مبارکه، در قالب چهار زیرسیستم ارتباطات، توانمندی‌ها، اقتصاد و پایداری اکوسیستم دسته‌بندی شده‌اند؛ سپس با الگوگیری از پیشینۀ پژوهش در کنار بهره‌گیری از نظرات خبرگان، روابط علّی این متغیرها شناسایی و نمودار روابط علّی متغیرهای موثر بر اکوسیستم نوآوری فولاد مبارکه با توجه به زیرسیستم‌های مذکور، ارائه شده ‌است.

investigating the causal relationships among the variables influencing the corporate innovation ecosystem the case of mobarakeh steel company

purpose: in today’s complex and uncertain business environment, large enterprises must shift from traditional, firm-centric approaches to collaborative value creation models. innovation ecosystems (ies) have emerged as essential frameworks for understanding how firms co-evolve and innovate through interaction with multiple stakeholders. however, the dynamic and multi-actor nature of ies presents major challenges for assessment and strategic management. this study addresses these challenges by developing a systematic methodology to analyze the complex interdependencies within the corporate innovation ecosystem of mobarakeh steel company. the research aims to identify key influencing variables, map their causal relationships, and support strategic decision-making. it moves beyond linear analysis by embracing systemic feedback structures.design/methodology/approach: this research employs a mixed-methods approach rooted in systems thinking, using qualitative expert input alongside structural modelling techniques within a single in-depth case study of the mobarakeh steel ie. the process began with a comprehensive literature review to identify variables influencing corporate innovation ecosystems. to refine these, the fuzzy delphi method (fdm) was applied, enabling expert-based validation while addressing uncertainty and subjectivity in judgments. the most critical variables were then selected. next, causal relationships among these variables, including feedback loops, were mapped through further expert consultation and literature support. finally, a causal loop diagram (cld) was developed to visually represent the ecosystem’s dynamic structure, showing how variables interact over time. this approach provides a qualitative systems model for a better understanding of the complex interdependencies within the innovation ecosystem evaluated in this research.findings: the fuzzy delphi method identified and validated 28 essential variables that influence mobarakeh steel ie. these factors, critical to the ecosystem’s operation and evolution, were further categorized, using literature and expert input, into four interconnected subsystems: communications subsystem, capabilities subsystem, economics subsystem, ecosystem sustainability subsystem. following the variable identification and categorization, the study successfully mapped the intricate web of causal relationships between these 28 variables, spanning connections both within and across the four subsystems. this network of interdependencies was visually rendered in a causal loop diagram (cld) specific to the innovation ecosystem evaluated in this research. the resulting cld provides a holistic, systemic representation of the ecosystem’s structure, highlighting key feedback loops (both reinforcing and balancing) that drive its behaviour. this diagrammatic representation reveals the complex dynamics at play and potential leverage points for intervention.research limitations/implications: given the study’s single-case design centred on mobarakeh steel ie, its findings are context-specific and may not be generalizable to innovation ecosystems in other industries, regions, or stages of development. additionally, although the fuzzy delphi method employs a structured, consensus-building approach, its reliance on expert opinions introduces an element of subjectivity. while the derived cld captures dynamic feedback loops, it is based on data covering only a few years; without longitudinal data supporting dynamic simulation, it ultimately oversimplifies the complexity of the real ecosystem.practical implications: this study offers practical strategies for managing innovation ecosystems in large companies like mobarakeh steel. it identifies 28 critical variables across four subsystems to establish a structured framework for assessing ecosystem health. using a causal loop diagram (cld) to illustrate interdependencies and potential outcomes, the research highlights key leverage points for enhancing innovation and sustainability. the combined use of the fuzzy delphi method (fdm) and cld provides a replicable approach that firms can apply to improve partner collaboration, resource allocation, capability development, and governance, ultimately promoting a more effective orchestration of their innovation ecosystems.social implications: strengthening corporate innovation ecosystems offers broad societal benefits. effective corporate ies can act as engines for regional development by fostering networks of suppliers, startups, and research institutions. by promoting a collaborative approach to innovation, this research indirectly supports the tackling of larger challenges, potentially including environmental sustainability within heavy industry if the ecosystem focuses on related innovations. overall, improved innovation ecosystems contribute to inclusive economic and technological advancement.originality/value: this study uniquely integrates the fuzzy delphi method (fdm) with causal loop diagramming (cld) to conduct a deep, systemic analysis of a corporate innovation ecosystem within a specific, complex industrial context. using fdm provides a rigorous approach to variable identification and screening under uncertainty inherent in expert judgments about ecosystems. the resulting cld offers a more nuanced and dynamic perspective than traditional linear or purely metric-based assessments, capturing the feedback structure that governs ecosystem behaviour. the study moves beyond generic ie descriptions to provide a context-specific, empirically grounded model of variable interactions. its value extends to both researchers, offering a robust methodology for analyzing ie complexity, and practitioners (managers, strategists, policymakers), providing a practical tool for diagnosis, strategic planning, and fostering more effective and sustainable innovation ecosystems centred around large anchor firms.