Identifying and Analyzing the Challenges of Agricultural Technological and Knowledge-based Companies, Fairs and Startups, Mazandaran Province.

Background: Today, knowledge-based economies have become a strategic and important issue in the economies of various societies and fields, including agriculture. Since agriculture is crucial for a country's food security, it is essential for this sector to adopt a knowledge-based approach. Technological and knowledge-based companies, particularly those in agriculture, serve as key institutions that transform knowledge into goods and services. However, these companies in Iran face numerous challenges that hinder their growth and development. Therefore, this research aims to identify the challenges faced by agricultural knowledge-based and technological companies, fairs, and startups in Mazandaran province. Methods: To identify these challenges, an inductive strategy, qualitative data, and thematic analysis were employed. Data collection was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 founders or managers of agricultural technology and knowledge-based companies located in the Mazandaran Science and Technology Park, as well as incubators associated with Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Statistical samples were selected using the snowball method, continuing until theoretical saturation was reached. The ATLAS.ti 7.5 software was utilized for data analysis, and a peer review method was used to validate the thematic analysis. Results: The analysis revealed 151 fundamental themes identified through ATLAS.ti 7.5. The main themes in this study included challenges involved in generating ideas and formulating comprehensive business plans, challenges related to establishing a company in an incubator or science and technology park, R&D and sample product production challenges, marketing and product introduction challenges, sales and market stabilization challenges, developing new market challenges, and market survival and competition challenges. Conclusion: It is suggested that the policies and regulations supporting knowledge-based companies be carefully examined and analyzed to ensure they are better aligned with the needs of these technological and innovative ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]