Towards a paradigmatic model for entrepreneurship in agricultural universities in developing countries: The case of Iran

The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive model for advancing entrepreneurial agricultural universities in Iran. Through purposeful sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 108 experts in entrepreneurial university endeavors. Drawing on their knowledge and experience, the participants identified components and characteristics of entrepreneurial agricultural universities, delineated main and causal conditions, contextual factors, supporting elements, barriers, and strategies for establishing such universities, as well as potential consequences and outcomes. Consequently, a paradigm model was developed based on six dimensions encompassing 29 categories. The central phenomenon, namely the development of entrepreneurial agricultural universities, along with causal conditions comprising eight categories, intervening conditions consisting of two categories, contextual conditions encompassing seven categories, strategies involving nine categories, and consequences comprising three categories, were compiled and illustrated within the paradigm model. This study enriches the literature by presenting a comprehensive model for developing entrepreneurial agricultural universities in Iran.