Design and Ranking of Evaluation Indicators for Business Incubators in Iran’s Innovation Ecosystem

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student of Technology Management, Faculty of Industrial and Technology Management, University of Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Industrial and Technology Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Institute for Basic Studies of Science and Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/jstp.2025.12078.1943

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of designing and ranking evaluation indicators for incubators within Iran’s innovation ecosystem, employing a mixed-method approach across three consecutive phases. In the first phase, a systematic review was carried out and 20 key articles were selected, from which 312 initial criteria were extracted. In the second phase, these criteria were transformed into measurable indicators and, following three rounds of conceptual refinement and categorization, were organized into four layers (input, process, output, and outcome), six groups, and 53 indicators. Subsequently, through Content Validity Ratio (CVR) analysis and expert judgment from eight specialists, the framework was screened and narrowed down to 42 core indicators. In the third phase, the final structure was weighted and ranked using the Best–Worst Method (BWM) with the participation of 10 experts. The findings revealed that “business support and development services” and “financial resources and sustainability” were the most critical groups, while “facilitated investment volume,” “tenant satisfaction with services,” “regional employment contribution,” and “commercialization rate” emerged as the most significant intra-group indicators.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Science and Technology Policy
Volume 18, Issue 3 - Serial Number 67
Special Issue: "The Role of Various Intermediary Organizations in Facilitating Entrepreneurship Development in Iran's Innovation Ecosystem"
October 2025
Pages 41-58

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