Department of Science & Research Policy, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Tehran, Iran. , nasri@nrisp.ac.ir
Abstract: (885 Views)
Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the innovation ecosystem of Khuzestan’s Water and Power Industry using the Ecosystem Pie Model to identify key actors, relationships and interactions among them, resource flows, interdependencies, and risks affecting ecosystem performance. It also tried to explain strategies for improving governance, innovation, and resilience in this industry.
Methodology: This research adopted a qualitative approach based on ecosystem analysis. Data were collected through document reviews, interviews, and analysis of the institutional and functional structure of Khuzestan’s Water and Power Industry. Besides; the network of relationships and interdependencies was analyzed using the Ecosystem Pie Model.
Findings: The findings indicate that the innovation ecosystem of Khuzestan’s Water and Power Industry has a complex and multilayered structure composed of governmental, executive, research, and consumer actors.
The results show that barriers to integrated governance have, in some cases, led to duplication of activities, waste of resources, and conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the management of political, financial, technical, social, and legal risks has played a significant role in the sustainability and efficiency of the ecosystem. In addition, the findings demonstrate that focal organizations within the ecosystem have played an important role in aligning local and national interests and improving ecosystem performance.
Originality: The theoretical value of this study lies in applying the Ecosystem Pie Model to analyze the water and electricity industry and in developing a systematic understanding of interactions, interdependencies, and risks within innovation ecosystems in infrastructure industries. Empirically, by focusing on Khuzestan’s Water and Power Industry, the study provides practical evidence regarding the challenges and capacities for sustainable development in one of the country’s most strategic regions and supports more effective policymaking and managerial decision-making.
Methodology: This research adopted a qualitative approach based on ecosystem analysis. Data were collected through document reviews, interviews, and analysis of the institutional and functional structure of Khuzestan’s Water and Power Industry. Besides; the network of relationships and interdependencies was analyzed using the Ecosystem Pie Model.
Findings: The findings indicate that the innovation ecosystem of Khuzestan’s Water and Power Industry has a complex and multilayered structure composed of governmental, executive, research, and consumer actors.
The results show that barriers to integrated governance have, in some cases, led to duplication of activities, waste of resources, and conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the management of political, financial, technical, social, and legal risks has played a significant role in the sustainability and efficiency of the ecosystem. In addition, the findings demonstrate that focal organizations within the ecosystem have played an important role in aligning local and national interests and improving ecosystem performance.
Originality: The theoretical value of this study lies in applying the Ecosystem Pie Model to analyze the water and electricity industry and in developing a systematic understanding of interactions, interdependencies, and risks within innovation ecosystems in infrastructure industries. Empirically, by focusing on Khuzestan’s Water and Power Industry, the study provides practical evidence regarding the challenges and capacities for sustainable development in one of the country’s most strategic regions and supports more effective policymaking and managerial decision-making.
Keywords: Innovation Ecosystem, Water and Electricity Industry, Khuzestan, Ecosystem Pie Model, Sustainability.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Development Process
Received: Aug 18 2025 | Accepted: Dec 16 2025
Received: Aug 18 2025 | Accepted: Dec 16 2025
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