Identifying the Factors Affecting the Sustainability Model of Smart Startups Based on Innovation and Knowledge Extraction Using the Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and explain the factors shaping the sustainability model of smart startups based on innovation and knowledge extraction and to develop an integrated conceptual framework for their continuity, growth, and adaptability. This qualitative exploratory study employed a grounded theory design. The study population consisted of experts and university faculty members in business and entrepreneurship who had relevant academic qualifications, executive experience in startups and knowledge-based centers, and at least ten years of professional experience in business management. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, and data were collected through interviews with 14 experts. The interview data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding with ATLAS.ti software. During axial coding, the extracted concepts and categories were organized according to the Strauss and Corbin paradigm model, incorporating causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. The analysis indicated that smart startup sustainability emerges from the interaction of organizational, knowledge-related, and environmental mechanisms. Organizational innovation capacity, managerial team skills, knowledge absorption capability, an active learning culture, and human intellectual capital constituted the causal conditions. Dynamic market competition, governmental support policies, information technology infrastructure, network accessibility, and stable economic conditions formed the contextual conditions, whereas stakeholder trust, team communication quality, organizational flexibility, continuous learning motivation, and effective knowledge management operated as intervening conditions. The principal strategies comprised innovative product development, organizational knowledge management, strengthening entrepreneurial teams, attracting smart investment, developing collaborative networks, improving internal processes, and fostering continuous learning. These strategies were associated with sustainable business growth, enhanced competitive advantage, improved team productivity, continuous product innovation, greater customer satisfaction, stronger organizational cohesion, and increased environmental adaptability. Smart startup sustainability is a multidimensional and dynamic phenomenon that depends not only on technological innovation but also on the integration of knowledge extraction and management, human capital, organizational learning, collaborative networks, and environmental adaptability. The proposed model provides an integrated framework that can support startup managers and policymakers in strengthening internal capabilities, developing technological and knowledge infrastructures, improving collaboration, and enhancing the long-term survival and sustainable growth of smart startups.