Designing a model for learning self-organized innovation network: Using embedded case studies

Innovation is considered the advantage cause for the nations in creating wealth and access to the development. Different countries have specific plans and policies to promote innovation. One of the strategies to develop high-technologies and innovation is the innovation networks approach. These networks work based on collaboration and learning. In recent decade, a considerable emphasis has been placed on learning self-organized innovation networks in different researches; nevertheless, despite such affirmation, a gap does exist for studying ways of improving and explaining the exact effects and its prerequisites. This research aims to study such gap(s) in innovation networks. Embedded case studies have been used as research methodology in this research. Besides the semi-structured interviews, a questionnaire was distributed among1 Ahwaz Science and Technology Park firms. The model, then, was restudied among 232 information technology firms throughout seven provinces in Iran. In order to analyze the data, regression test and goodness of fit test of the structural equations modeling was conducted. According to the obtained results, various factors such as cooperation capabilities, network embeddedness and favorable environment have been found to be effective on the learning, self-organization and cooperation of the network. Self-organizing and learning capabilities of the network also have various effects on increasing the innovation output and effectiveness of the network.