The investigation of the Relationship between Capabilities of Networking of Science and Technology Parks in the Innovation and Business Performance of Park's Member Companies

Nowadays, the essence of knowledge-based companies is based on creativity and innovation and they are noticed for economic growth based on knowledge and technology, therefore, the affecting factors on the better performance and innovation of these companies are significant. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of networking capabilities of the science and technology park on the performance of companies that are mediated by innovation.

This study is practical in terms of purpose and descriptive and surveys in terms of the data collection method. The questionnaires that are based on the standard questionnaire are used to collect data. The statistical population of the study are managers and employees of these companies that according to the rule of using structural equation modeling (SEM), 379 people are considered as the sample and filled out the questionnaire. For both the direct relations model and moderation model, data analysis was performed with the use of structural equation modeling.

The results showed, networking capability has a positive and significant effect on the innovation of the located companies in the park and subsequently the innovation of the located companies on their performance. The mediating role of innovation in the relationship between networking and performance was confirmed but the direct effect of networking on the performance of companies was not.

The presented conceptual model in this study helps to develop this type of model in order to support the performance of located companies in the science and technology parks.