Developing an Entrepreneurial Model for Mega and Big Cities in Iran

Purpose: Urban entrepreneurship can deal with urbanization challenges by identifying, assessing and utilizing urban opportunities. This study aims to develop a model for urban entrepreneurship in Iran by identifying the effective factors, considering the contextual effects and role of the mediating variables. Methodology: Regarding the nature of the data, it was a mixed research. In the qualitative section, the statistical population was comprised of 50 mega and big cities with a population of over 200,000 each. Data were collected through theoretical foundations and a focus group made up of experts with whom qualitative interviews were administered. In the quantitative section, the statistical population included managers, deputies, and employees of the selected government, private and non-governmental organizations. The approach of the research was deductive and the time span of data gathering was cross-sectional from 2017 to 2018. Data were collected through questionnaires and Fuzzy conclusion system was employed to design the quantitative model. Findings: Creative city, entrepreneurial eco-system and entrepreneurial production/services conditions affect urban entrepreneurship. Moreover, the negative moderating role of urban population density variable and that of the positive environmental complexity variable in the relation between independent variables and urban entrepreneurship is explained. It is worth mentioning that the variables of urban competition and urban entrepreneurial reactionism do not play any mediating role in the environmental conditions of the Iranian mega and big cities.