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Sport Startup Ecosystem in Iran: A Study of the Position of Human Capital and the Quality of Education

Authors

1 PhD student in Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education, Kharazmi University

2 Associate Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

3 3. Professor of Sports Management Department, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Tehran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Management, Khwarazmi University

Abstract

Objective: The current research has studied the position of human capital and the quality of education in the ecosystem of sports startups in Iran.
Methodology: The nature of the research is qualitative and exploratory. To collect data, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 experts in the field of entrepreneurship and sports startups, including founders of sports startups, managers of science and technology parks and growth centers, university professors, and elites in the field of sports entrepreneurship. Sampling was purposeful. Then the data was analyzed by the thematic analysis method.
Results: The results showed that educational content and policies can play a role in the sports startup ecosystem through technical, communication, and management training, needs assessment and educational goal setting, entrepreneurial orientation training, educational procedures, evaluation system, and educational and research infrastructures. Human capital also plays a crucial role in the sports startup ecosystem, encompassing the knowledge and skills required by startup businesses, the entrepreneurial capabilities and cognitive characteristics of entrepreneurs, agile and dynamic management, and effective team-building capabilities.
Conclusion: The human capital factor and its education, as two important pillars of the sports startup ecosystem, require serious attention in our country. In this context, sports policymakers should invest in the development of education and research to improve the quality of human capital and promote it in the startup ecosystem. Additionally, the prevailing atmosphere in our schools and universities is not conducive to developing the human resources required for entrepreneurial or startup activities. Therefore, revising the courses offered in schools and universities can be an important step toward improving the ecosystem. Developing industry-university relations will be fruitful both in the field of formal and informal education and in creating an entrepreneurial spirit and orientation. Furthermore, education extends beyond individuals and students to inform and educate officials and policymakers, playing a crucial role in enhancing human capital quality and fostering a thriving ecosystem.

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Human Resource Management in Sports
Volume 12, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 255-272
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