Presenting a Qualitative Model of Cultural Maturity of Academic Entrepreneurship in Azad University Units of Mazandaran Province Using Thematic Analysis Approach
Keywords:
Cultural maturity, Academic entrepreneurship, Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran Province, Thematic analysisAbstract
The purpose of this study was to present a qualitative model identifying the dimensions and components of cultural maturity in academic entrepreneurship at the Islamic Azad University units of Mazandaran Province. This study adopted a qualitative exploratory design using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. The participants included university professors, administrators, and entrepreneurship experts from Azad University units in Mazandaran Province. Sampling was conducted through a snowball method, and semi-structured interviews were held with 19 experts until theoretical saturation was achieved. Inclusion criteria involved at least five years of experience in academic positions, relevant education, and familiarity with entrepreneurship. Data were coded and analyzed using MaxQDA software. Inter-coder reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa and related indices, all indicating excellent agreement. The thematic analysis yielded five main themes: education (curriculum and institutional culture), supportive environment (administrative and organizational support and physical infrastructure), networking (building useful connections and stimulating entrepreneurial spirit), financial support (direct financial resources and support for accelerators and incubators), and risk-taking culture (positive evaluation of failures and leadership and modeling). A total of 48 basic themes were identified, reflecting the multidimensional nature of cultural maturity in academic entrepreneurship. The findings indicated that academic entrepreneurial cultural maturity is a multidimensional construct influenced by educational quality, organizational support, networking opportunities, financial empowerment, and attitudes toward failure. Universities should align their curricula with entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills while strengthening supportive environments, innovation infrastructures, and a positive risk-taking culture to facilitate technology commercialization and sustainable academic entrepreneurship.
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