علي موحد

The necessity of orchestrators in leading innovation networks and creating value from them has always been undeniable. Venture capitalists are one of the main partners of entrepreneurs in their network, whose wide network activities and high influence in the network make them a focal member of the innovation network. Despite the key role of venture capitalists in the organization of innovation networks, the investigation of their main roles and capabilities for the maintenance of the network in the conducted researches has been weak. The focus of most of the researchers conducted on venture capitalists has been about investment; and the network roles of these companies have been less discussed. Iranian researchers have generally paid less attention to the issue of leadership and orchestration of Iran's innovation networks. In the current research, we have explained and analyzed the roles that venture capitalists play as orchestrators of innovation networks. We have also identified the capabilities that these companies use for optimal performance in network orchestration. For this purpose, we conducted a multiple-case study and data collection through purposeful and snowball sampling methods with semi-structured interviews with six experts who are working in three reputable venture capital companies in Iran. In order to analyze and integrate the data obtained from the interviews, the qualitative method of thematic analysis was used in MaxQDA software. Based on the results of the theme analysis, this research includes seven General themes; According to the obtained results, venture capitalists, depending on the existing conditions and their own strategies, form the innovation network by attracting key members. Partnership & adding the right members in the network and their optimal performance depends on having the right partners for the initial and periodic eva‎luation of the network members and creating stability and motivation in them. In order to create this stability, venture capitalists should provide facilities beyond financial resources to their members; By managing knowledge between network members, they mobilize knowledge flow in the network and facilitate innovation, and by creating a value chain and cooperation between network members, they contribute to network value creation. Venture capitalists have confidential data and knowledge of the innovation of their network members, and they have the duty of protecting this innovation and protecting the information of the members as the orchestrator of the network. Venture capitalists need capabilities including technical, managerial and networking capabilities to be successful in performing these roles.

شبكه هاي نوآوري , ميانداري , قابليت هاي ميانداري , سرمايه گذاران خطرپذير , شركاي استراتژيك , تحليل مضمون

Innovation Networks , Orchestration , Orchestration Capabilities , Venture Capitalists , Strategic Partners , Thematic Analysis

Ali Movahed

Dr. Amir Zakery