Program and Development Research

Program and Development Research

Mapping of Effective Factors on the Strategic Alliances in Knowledge Based Companies Using a Combined DEMATEL- Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Tabriz, Iran, (corresponding author).
2 Faculty Member, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract
Knowledge-based companies have an important role in the effectiveness of production and knowledge in products. These companies, also, by creating knowledge and technology, lead to value in a competitive environment. In the meantime, strategic alliances are one of the strategic factors for the development of the businesses of students’ companies. In this regard, the overall purpose of the present study is to map the effective factors on the strategic alliances of knowledge based companies with the combined approach (ISM-DEMATEL). For this purpose, the statistical population of the research is managers of knowledge-based companies, and 28 people were selected to determine the sample size using the purposeful sampling method. The reliability of the questionnaire was also confirmed by Cronbach's Alpha (α = 0.971) and its validity was confirmed by experts. To investigate the causal relationships between variables, the DEMATEL technique and Structural-Interpretative Modeling were utilized to analyze data and identify factors influencing strategic alliances among knowledge-based companies. The analysis revealed that the creation of informal collaborative networks, strategic fit aligned with capabilities and capacities, partner flexibility, mutual trust, and open communication serve as dependent variables. Furthermore, strategic alliance risk management, the establishment of an appropriate organizational structure, the presence of an effective management team, shared cultural leadership, joint process control for strategic alliances, and the formation of a problem-solving team were identified as link variables. Additionally, intrusive variables such as the selection of the right partner, the establishment of shared objectives, transparency, and the use of appropriate measurement strategies were also highlighted. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping strategic alliances in knowledge-based companies.
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