This paper aims to analyze the effects of entrepreneurial attitudes and science and technology parks on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with an emphasis on corruption control in Iran during the period 2001–2023, using the quantile method. The results show that the number of science and technology parks in quantiles 0.2–0.9 has a positive and increasing effect, entrepreneurial attitudes in quantiles 0.6–0.9 have a positive but decreasing effect, and the corruption control index in quantiles 0.2–0.9 has a positive and increasing effect on the value added of SMEs. Considering the interactive effects of corruption control with science and technology parks and entrepreneurial attitudes, it is found that in quantiles 0.2–0.9, until the corruption control index reaches the thresholds of 0.372, 0.372, 0.408, 0.443, 0.823, 0.823, and 0.823, respectively, increases in corruption control intensify the positive effect of science and technology parks on the value added of SMEs; however, beyond these thresholds, the positive effect decreases. In addition, in quantiles 0.6–0.9, when the corruption control index does not reach the thresholds of 0.132, 0.137, 0.090, and 0.09, respectively, increases in corruption control lead to an intensification of the positive effect of entrepreneurial attitudes, followed by a reduction in their positive effect on the value added of SMEs. The results of the Wald symmetry test also indicate that the impact of the independent variables on the value added of SMEs across different quantiles is asymmetrical.
Purpose/Aims:
SMEs, while being innovative and creative, possess high flexibility and the ability to adapt to market changes and customer preferences. As a result, they enjoy significant comparative advantages in many sectors relative to large industries and can respond more quickly to accelerating global developments. SMEs, through their unique and diverse combinations of human and financial resources and social support, are considered among the most effective factors in supporting the flow of entrepreneurship. Accordingly, the presence of entrepreneurial behaviors and attitudes in these enterprises can accelerate their growth and development while intensifying entrepreneurial activity. Entrepreneurial attitudes, by reshaping business owners’ perspectives toward innovation, increase their willingness to test new methods and systems.
Another factor that can serve as a catalyst for SME development is science and technology parks, which function as centers for the establishment and professional presence of small and medium-sized firms, industrial research and development units, and research institutions. On the other hand, governments play a crucial role in shaping entrepreneurial attitudes and creating science and technology parks; therefore, the presence of corruption within government institutions can influence the impact of entrepreneurial tendencies and science and technology parks on SME performance. Corruption can also affect SME performance by shaping entrepreneurial behavior and activities. In some countries, corruption facilitates entrepreneurial activities and allows the entrepreneurial sector to flourish, whereas in others it hinders entrepreneurship by undermining fair competition. Moreover, given that the primary objective of establishing science and technology parks is to encourage cooperation among universities, SMEs, and large industries, corruption can influence science and technology parks—and consequently SME performance—through the innovation channel.
Traditional institutional economics theory maintains that corruption erodes the foundations of innovation by increasing transaction costs and suppressing research and development, while some economists argue that corruption may stimulate innovation by accelerating licensing processes. The aim of this paper is to analyze the effects of entrepreneurial attitudes and science and technology parks on the value added of SMEs, with an emphasis on corruption control.
Methodology & Framework:
This study examines the effects of entrepreneurial attitudes and science and technology parks on the value added of SMEs in Iran during the period 2001–2023 using the quantile method. In addition, the role of corruption control in shaping the impact of entrepreneurial attitudes and science and technology parks on SME value added is also investigated.
Findings:
The results indicate that the number of science and technology parks in quantiles 0.2 –0.9 has a positive and increasing effect on the value added of SMEs. Entrepreneurial attitudes in quantiles 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 exert a positive but decreasing effect, while the corruption control index in quantiles 0.2–0.9 has a positive and increasing effect. Considering the interactive effects of corruption control with science and technology parks and entrepreneurial attitudes, it is found that in quantiles 0.2–0.9, until the corruption control index reaches the thresholds of 0.372, 0.372, 0.408, 0.443, 0.823, 0.823, and 0.823, respectively, increases in corruption control intensify the positive effect of science and technology parks on SME value added;  however, beyond these thresholds, the positive effect diminishes. Conversely, in quantiles 0.6–0.9, when the corruption control index does not reach the thresholds of 0.132, 0.137, 0.090, and 0.09, respectively, increases in corruption control initially intensify the positive effect of entrepreneurial attitudes, followed by a decline in their positive effect on SME value added. The Wald symmetry test results further indicate that the effects of the independent variables on SME value added vary asymmetrically across quantiles.
Discussion:
According to traditional economic theory, when corruption weakens the competitive environment, its control can foster entrepreneurial development and, consequently, SME growth, as SMEs typically emerge from entrepreneurial activities. The creation of innovative ideas by entrepreneurs plays a vital role in SME development by introducing new products and strengthening firms’ capacity to manage risk and overcome existing challenges. Moreover, corruption control—through reducing transaction costs, removing barriers to investment in research and development, and enhancing trust in government institutions and the business environment— creates favorable conditions for innovation. In this context, controlling corruption facilitates the expansion of science and technology parks and, in turn, contributes to stronger SME growth.
Conclusion & Implications:
Based on the research findings, strengthening entrepreneurial attitudes through the establishment of educational units at the primary and secondary school levels and organizing student visits to entrepreneurial environments and start-up businesses can enhance SME value added. Furthermore, expanding science and technology parks by attracting foreign investors and strengthening collaborative links between domestic and international academic communities can further support SME development. In addition, implementing punitive and incentive-based policies to curb corrupt practices in business-related sectors, along with promoting a culture of meritocracy to support entrepreneurs and innovative ideas, can serve as effective strategies for creating value in SMEs.