Identifying the Factors Affecting the Establishment of Knowledge-Based Sports Companies Based On Electronic Knowledge: A Qualitative Analysis

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the factors affecting the establishment of sports knowledge-based companies based on electronic knowledge. To pursue this aim, Glaser's grounded theory was used as the qualitative research method. ۱۶ in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with academic and industry experts in the field of sports using purposeful and snowball sampling methods. Data analysis was performed in three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, and the preliminary list of factors was identified through initial library studies. The ۱۰۵ values affecting the development of sports knowledge-based companies based on electronic knowledge were extracted through the open coding process. The final pattern was created using the results of axial coding, which revealed the identification of ۱۲ subcategories, falling into two main categories: intra-organization (human resources, management, marketing, legal, and financial factors) and extra-organization (educational/creativity and innovation factors, economic, cultural-social, infrastructure, legal, policy-making, and support/protection). According to the findings of the study, the professional and comprehensive view of managers and scientific and executive officials on these mentioned factors can change the ecosystem of sports entrepreneurship in Iran, providing the necessary context and infrastructure, as well as the sports community's interest in entrepreneurship and the formation of knowledge-based companies. This is, of course, accompanied by long-term job opportunities for activists in this sector as well as the development of new and inventive ideas, goods, and services.