Identifying and Investigating the Relationships between the Motivations Affecting the Formation of Free Innovation (Case Study: Iran's Innovation Ecosystem)

Abstract

Free innovation is a concept that refers to the voluntary contribution of ideas by individuals for problem-solving purposes without any financial transaction. The question arises as to how innovators are motivated to participate in this process. Previous studies have shown that free innovation is directly related to human interests and values, and encompasses issues such as benefits, participation, entertainment, education, creativity, philanthropy, and other important topics related to "human development and progress." This study aimed to address the question of free innovation and investigate the free innovation ecosystems in Iran. The effective motivations for the formation of free innovation were identified and ranked. By reviewing the literature on free innovation, using expert evaluation and the Delphi method, the effective motivations were identified. Then, using Dimtel, the impact of the final eight motivations with the opinions of research experts was examined. These motivations included philanthropy, personal reward, social acceptance, social responsibility, increase in fame and dignity, helping, feeling satisfied with dignity, and the joy of learning. The value of this research lies in enriching the theoretical foundations of free innovation in Persian language, and providing policy recommendations that lay the groundwork for leveraging the implementation of free innovation in Iranian society.

Keywords

• free innovation in iran
• consumer innovation
• effective incentives
• free innovators
• expertise