Background: Digital transformation is one of the main strategies for modernizing traditional and mass-production-based industries (second generation), which require the creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems to survive in the new economy. This research was conducted with a focus on second generation industries in Isfahan province, one of the country's industrial hubs.
Aim: The ultimate goal of this research was to achieve a digital entrepreneurship ecosystem for second-generation industries in Isfahan province to improve the entrepreneurship landscape and also to help the province's second-generation and main industries solve problems and challenges, and improve productivity, sustainability, and prosperity of these industries.
Methodology: This research was conducted using a qualitative and exploratory approach. First, by analyzing documents and using the smart specialization framework, the key industries of the province were identified. Then, by conducting semi-structured interviews with 15 industrial and academic experts, the challenges and required digital technologies were extracted. In the final step, by analyzing the content of semi-structured interviews with 9 entrepreneurs, the dimensions and elements that constitute the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem were designed.
Conclusions: This research shows that the main challenges of Generation 2 industries include: lack of digital expertise, supply chain inefficiency, equipment obsolescence, and weak digital infrastructure. The key technologies to respond to these challenges are artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, and cloud computing. Finally, the final model of the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem is designed in the form of 9 main dimensions, which include: human resources and university education, technology infrastructure, digital technology innovation and development, industrial networkig and cooperation, support system and financing, government policy and support, entrepreneurial cu