Localising the impact of techno-entrepreneurship in Eastern Iran: Birjand's Science and Technology Park as a local innovation community

Abstract

In peripheral cities, economies are dependent upon local enterprises, entrepreneurship and innovation to support growth locally. This paper focuses on the case of Birjand, Iran and the community of techno-entrepreneurs who are based in the city's Science and Technology Park (which opened in 1992). Relating to the Triple Helix model, this paper aims to better understand connections and limitations that interconnect industry, government and education through interviews with techno-entrepreneurs, government policymakers and academics. The analysis of this paper is organised into three sections: the first section considers government policies and support based on insight from entrepreneurs and policymakers to understand differing expectations. The next section addresses local economic impacts and the role of techno-entrepreneurs to understand the contribution they make in peripheral areas despite Iran being impacted by sanctions. The final section considers local entrepreneurship education initiatives in Birjand offered by the local Science and Technology Park and links with a local university to add perspective on the role of education to increase local initiatives and support the improvement of business practice.