Journal of Technology Development Management

Journal of Technology Development Management

Thematic Analysis and Structural Modeling of Technology Transfer: A Strategy for Enhancing Economic Complexity in Iran’s Petrochemical Industry

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
abbas nikzad 1
Hassanali Aghajani 2
Behrouz Shahmoradi 3
Behnaz Sabouri 4
1 Department of Science and Technology Policy, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran,
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Finance and Economics of Science, Technology and Innovation, National Science Policy Research Center, Iran
4 Department of Natural resource Economics College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
10.22104/jtdm.2026.7697.3425
Abstract
This study proposes a model for transferring technology from advanced petrochemical countries to Iran, using the economic complexity approach. It follows an exploratory mixed-methods design, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative analysis. In the qualitative phase, 15 experts in technology transfer, science and technology policy, and senior managers from Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically with MAXQDA software, involving open coding and categorization. Methods like participant feedback, parallel coding, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient ensured the reliability of the findings.
In the quantitative phase, 330 managers and employees from subsidiaries of the Persian Gulf Petrochemical group were chosen through stratified random sampling, based on Cochran’s formula. A questionnaire was designed using themes extracted from the qualitative phase. The instrument’s validity and reliability were confirmed through expert reviews, factor analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha. Structural equation modeling using SmartPLS software was employed to analyze the data.
The study led to the development of a localized technology transfer model suited to Iran’s petrochemical sector. This model can support informed policymaking and drive technological progress in the industry, aligning with broader national development goal
Keywords
Technology Transfer
Economic Complexity
Structural Model
Thematic Analysis
Iran Petrochemical Industry
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 17 June 2025
  • Revise Date 02 January 2026
  • Accept Date 05 January 2026