Amir Zakery

@iust.ac.ir

Management Economics and Progress Engineering Department
Iran University of Science and Technology

Amir Zakery


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https://researchid.co/zakerya

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Business and International Management, Management of Technology and Innovation, Strategy and Management
16

Scopus Publications

460

Scholar Citations

9

Scholar h-index

9

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Networking, technological learning and international performance: the role of expansion strategy in an emerging economy
    Samira Nemati Khaniki, Amir Zakery, Javad Mashayekh
    Journal of Strategy and Management, 2025
    PurposeCompanies must continually adjust their resources to maintain competitive advantages in response to changes in global and regional markets. While existing literature emphasizes the influence of dynamic capabilities (DCs) on international performance, however, there is limited empirical research supporting this relationship in emerging economies. In these contexts, companies are required to leverage their resources and strategies to navigate the challenges imposed by foreignness.Design/methodology/approachThis research focuses on two main DCs: networking and technological learning. In total, 6 main hypotheses were assessed using data from 138 knowledge-based export companies in Iran. Hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings show that, further to the direct impact of DC on international performance, international expansion strategy partially mediates this relationship. Expansion strategy includes both entry mode choice and export market diversity, with the latter showing a higher mediating effect.Practical implicationsWe suggest managers should align their expansion strategies with their capabilities to ensure sustained international success, especially in the face of challenges that emerging economies face today amid increasing political tensions.Originality/valueThis research suggests that investigation of the moderating effects of international expansion strategies provides a new perspective on how dynamic capabilities affect international performance in emerging economies.
  • The Role of Dynamic Capabilities in Internationalization Performance of Technology-Based Firms in Iran
    Amir Zakery, Mohammad Sadegh Saremi
    Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025
  • Exploring the technological leaders using tire industry patents: A topic modeling approach
    Mohsen Ghaffari, Alireza Aliahmadi, Abolfazl Khalkhali, Amir Zakery, Tugrul U. Daim, Mehdi Zamani
    Technology in Society, 2024
  • Assessing the impact of digitalisation on the export performance of Iranian SMEs: the mediating role of export readiness
    Ashkan Goldooz, Amir Zakery
    International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2024
    This study aims to explore the influence of digitalisation on the export performance of Iranian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and investigates extra effects of digitalisation that may stimulate export through improving export capabilities and readiness. An empirical approach was employed to test the research hypotheses. A survey was conducted among 70 Iranian exporting SMEs, and their responses were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to explain the theoretical model and assess the research hypotheses. The study revealed that digitalisation exerts both direct and indirect effects on the export performance of Iranian SMEs. Notably, the indirect effect mediated by export readiness was found to be more substantial than the direct effect. This suggests that SMEs can significantly enhance their export performance by embracing digital technologies. The results underscore the significance of SMEs' readiness in realising the full potential of digital technologies to achieve export targets.
  • Technology portfolio perspective for analyzing open innovation: insights from Iranian high-tech SMEs
    Javad Mashayekh, Amir Zakery
    Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 2024
    Providing evidence from less studied ecosystems contributes to the evolution of the Open Innovation (OI) theory. While previous studies investigate the pros and cons of OI in the context of developed countries, this article addresses OI adoption among high-tech SMEs in an emerging country. A multiple case study is pursued within the advanced materials sector in Iran, a sector suitable for opening windows of opportunity to a country endowed with natural resources. Thus, we deeply studied four high-tech SMEs through interviews with key managers, followed by a qualitative content analysis of the transcripts and documents. The results show that besides frequent inbound OI practices, the firms adopt several outbound OI practices. Additionally, this paper found two distinct types of OI behaviour (Selective vs. Non-selective) in relation to the firms' technology portfolio. Although SMEs that adopt OI in both core and non-core areas are exposed to the knowledge leakage risk, due to their smallness and lack of required resources they prefer to take advantage of external cooperation, at the same time they seek ways for handling leakage concerns through trust-building. This paper has practical implications for managers who think of extending their OI practices into the firms' core technologies.
  • Topic-based technology mapping using patent data analysis: A case study of vehicle tires
    Mohsen Ghaffari, Alireza Aliahmadi, Abolfazl Khalkhali, Amir Zakery, Tugrul U. Daim, Haydar Yalcin
    Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2023
  • Open innovation antecedents and its consequences on commercialization performance in small and medium-sized enterprises
    Mohammad Javad Asgari, Amir Zakery, Mir Saman Pishvaee
    Kybernetes, 2022
    PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of the factors affecting open innovation (OI) intensity, in terms of three components of cooperative innovation, resource search and external research and development (R&D), as well as the impact of OI intensity on commercialization performance in small and medium-sized enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe data obtained from the distributed questionnaire among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Isfahan Science and Technology Town (ISTT) in Iran, was analyzed using inferential and parametric statistics to examine the research hypotheses. In this analysis, structural equation tests were used to confirm or reject the research hypotheses using Smart PLS software.FindingsThe results indicate that all three OI components influence commercialization in technology-based firms of ISTT, while the most important one is cooperative innovation. Among the factors affecting OI components, innovative incentives are the most effective one that increases both external R&D and cooperative innovation. Facilitators and limitations of open innovation are also affecting OI intensity, with lower priorities.Practical implicationsScience park managers and policymakers should lay the ground for enhancing the cooperation intensity among firms. Cooperation intensity is the most effective open innovation component to improve commercialization performance.Originality/valueOpen innovation antecedents and its consequence on commercialization performance have been investigated for the same time in SMEs of a science park.
  • Knowledge and intellectual capital in internationalizing SMEs, case study in technology-based health companies
    Amir Zakery, Mohammad Sadegh Saremi
    Journal of Intellectual Capital, 2021
    PurposeInternational businesses play a significant role in the growth, innovation and survival of technology-based firms (TBFs). Creating new opportunities in international markets, using communication networks and confronting constraints on available resources have distinguished the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and intensified the importance of knowledge acquisition and continuous learning. This study aimed to (1) configure (the types and sources of) and (2) measure the internationalization knowledge of TBFs, by focusing on a knowledge-intensive part of the health industry in an emerging country: Iranian advanced medical equipment companies.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, a qualitative approach was adopted to interview the leaders of eight TBFs exporting medical equipment. Obtained data were investigated using content analysis.FindingsAccording to the content analysis results for configuration, technological knowledge and market knowledge were mainly obtained through direct experience and vicarious learning; however, internationalization knowledge is not so established as the third major knowledge area to integrate technological with market knowledge in line with corporate strategies of an internationalizing firm. For measurement of knowledge assets of internationalizing firms as a prerequisite for continuous improvement, several intellectual capital indices were extracted, including human, structural and relational capital.Originality/valueThis research complements existing literature in internationalization knowledge configuration via deploying an "Intellectual capital" perspective. It could enhance efforts for improving the learning of internationalizing SMEs, especially in the developing countries.
  • Simulation of stakeholders’ consensus on organizational technology acceptance (case study: Internet of Things)
    Ali Sarkeshikian, Mohhamadali Shafia, Amir Zakery, Alireza Aliahmadi
    Kybernetes, 2020
    PurposeIn the organizational technology acceptance (TA) decision-making process, stakeholders have many divergence opinions. Sometimes, an opposing stakeholder of a decision can stop the whole process of decision-making. In such a case, consensus may take a long time followed by a high risk. The purpose of this study is twofold. First, to find the best model with the least prediction error for the simulation of the consensus process in TA decisions. Second, to investigate the time required for the consensus process to yield the TA decision in different scenarios and to propose solutions to reduce the required time in a case study.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses real-world data containing 1,186 actual observations. Stakeholders are decision-maker agents, and the observations are derived from survey data and used for simulation. Data were obtained from 126 experts in the Iranian rail freight industry. Opinion dynamics theory was used for agent-based simulation of stakeholders’ behavior. The agents interacted over time and their effects on other agents’ opinions were investigated.FindingsThe results illustrate an appropriate opinion changing model, a data-gathering method and a simulation scenario for TA consensus. The suitable model was selected after examining the advantages and disadvantages of and comparing the prediction results for different models with the real database of opinions. To reduce the consensus process time, the results suggest gathering the team members and networking with some leaders as advocators. A large number of advocators with high acceptability and continuous exchanging messages with other agents can improve the acceptance rate and have the most significant impact on other stakeholders’ opinions.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, previous studies simulate individual TA processes. However, there is a difference between the individual TA and the organizational TA. The organizational TA requires the simultaneous decision-making of different stakeholders. In this research, the organizational TA was investigated.
  • Stakeholders’ consensus on organizational technology acceptance; using thematic analysis and SEM
    Ali Sarkeshikian, Amir Zakery, Mohammad Ali Shafia, Alireza Aliahmadi
    Kybernetes, 2020
    Purpose Much research has been conducted on technology acceptance (TA), which is mainly about the acceptance by one user. As more than one person should be involved in business-to-business TA decision-making, it is suggested that different processes for making a consensus among different stakeholders should be considered. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a model for essential activities and characteristics of advocators for accelerating the stakeholders’ consensus in the technology acceptance (SCTA). Design/methodology/approach The conceptual model of this research is presented using a thematic analysis of the interviews with the relevant experts and existing literature. Furthermore, the structural equation model was applied for analyzing empirically how advocators’ characteristics and activities affect consensus. In total, 248 respondents completed the questionnaires. Experts’ opinions, Krippendorff’s alpha index, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and goodness of fit indices were applied to verify the reliability of the results. Findings Results show that “being leader” and “being influential” are two main characteristics for the advocators’ team that significantly affect SCTA. Reducing perceived “risk” for each stakeholder, developing a “common understanding” among them and demonstrating “resource readiness” are also the main tasks of advocators leading to SCTA. Originality/value The role of advocators in SCTA has been neglected. The main contribution of this study is identifying the required advocators’ activities and characteristics for achieving SCTA.
  • A reinforcement learning methodology for a human resource planning problem considering knowledge-based promotion
    Amir-Mohsen Karimi-Majd, Masoud Mahootchi, Amir Zakery
    Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 2017
  • Analysing intellectual capital management and growth based on dynamic modelling
    Amir Zakery, Abbas Afrazeh
    Knowledge Management Research and Practice, 2017
  • Analysing and improving the strategic alignment of firms’ resource dynamics
    Amir Zakery, Abbas Afrazeh, John Dumay
    Journal of Intellectual Capital, 2017
  • Intellectual capital based performance improvement, study in insurance firms
    Amir Zakery, Abbas Afrazeh
    Journal of Intellectual Capital, 2015
  • Logistics Future Trends
    Amir Zakery
    Logistics Operations and Management, 2011
  • Logistics Future Trends
    Amir Zakery
    Logistics Operations and Management Concepts and Models, 2011

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Techno-Nationalism versus Interdependence: A Case Study of the Global Value Chain in the Semiconductor Industry
    K Kaviani, MS Saremi, A Zakery, Z Kalhor
    Science and Technology Policy Letters 16 (1) , 2026
    2026
  • Configuring the Dimensions of the Application of Financial Technologies in the Internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises
    Z Hajizamani, A Zakery, A Bonyadi
    Journal of Entrepreneurship Development 18 (5), 57-78 , 2026
    2026
  • Strategic entry mode selection for creative digital industries internationalization
    F Mohammadi, A Zakery, M Abdolhamid, H Dincer, S Yuksel
    Review of International Business and Strategy 36 (1), 129-154 , 2026
    2026
  • Networking, technological learning and international performance: the role of expansion strategy in an emerging economy
    S Nemati Khaniki, A Zakery, J Mashayekh
    Journal of Strategy and Management 18 (3), 616-640 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Analysis and Explanation of the Factors Influencing the Position of Iranian Universities in Global Rankings
    SA Mousavi Loghman, A Zakery, Z Moghise, F Mohammadi
    Sciences and Techniques of Information Management , 2025
    2025
  • The Moderating Role of Digital Technologies in the Export Performance of Emerging Companies
    A Mahabadi, A Zakery, J Mashayekh
    new economy and trad 20 (67), 115-151 , 2025
    2025
  • Examining the Role of Imported Inputs in Export Development of Manufacturing Companies in Iran
    A Zakery, Y Sobhanifard, V Ansari
    Iranian Journal of Trade Studies 29 (115), 1-33 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • International scientific awards as a tool of science and technology Diplomacy A Case study of Mustafa Prize
    M Narimani, M Askarian, SM Sahebkar Khorasani, A Zakery
    Journal of Improvement Management 19 (1), 88-110 , 2025
    2025
  • The role of dynamic capabilities in internationalization performance of technology-based firms in Iran
    A Zakery, MS Saremi
    Journal of the Knowledge Economy 16 (1), 453-477 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 18
  • Strategies and Mechanisms to Improve the Effectiveness of Cooperation between Industry and University in Iran and their Impact on the six levels of Cooperation between the Parties
    M Shayegani Madad, S Nouri, A Zakery, M Mahdi Nejad Nouri
    Journal of Improvement Management 18 (3), 95-124 , 2024
    2024
  • The effect of psychic distance on the international performance of knowledge-based companies with the moderating role of networking and technological learning
    S Nemati Khaniki, A Zakery, J Mashayekh
    Journal of Technology Development Management 12 (3), 35-64 , 2024
    2024
  • Investigating the Influencing Factors on Knowledge Sharing in Cooperative Inter-Organizational Relations, Case Study: Students Social Care System
    Y Ahmadi, A Zakery, F Razavi, MS Saremi
    Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems 11 (40), 81-112 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • Exploring the technological leaders using tire industry patents: A topic modeling approach
    M Ghaffari, A Aliahmadi, A Khalkhali, A Zakery, TU Daim, M Zamani
    Technology in Society 78, 102664 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 29
  • Technology portfolio perspective for analyzing open innovation: insights from Iranian high-tech SMEs
    J Mashayekh, A Zakery
    Asian Journal of Technology Innovation 32 (3), 506-528 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3
  • مفهوم شناسی زنجیره‌های ارزش منطقه‌ای و سازوکارهای تقویت آنها با مطالعه موردی سه پیمان‌ تجارت منطقه‌ای ‎
    ذاکری, عرب پور, صارمی ‎
    بهبود مدیریت 18 (2), 103-131 , 2024 ‎
    2024
  • Investigation of factors affecting the promotion of Iran's leather industry in the global value chain with emphasis on technological capabilities
    R Sabbaghian, A Zakery, S Nemati Khaniki
    Journal of Improvement Management 18 (2), 74-102 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • Providing a policy model for enhancing export-oriented support for knowledge-based companies; a case study of Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-based Economy
    M Narimani, R Estiri, A Zakeri, SM Sahebkar
    Quarterly journal of governance knowledge 2 (3), 56-82 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • Analysis of barriers to green innovation in Iran’s automotive industry: An interpretive structural modeling approach
    P Kianipour, J Mashayekh, A Zakery
    Innovation Management Journal 13 (2), 117-156 , 2024
    2024
  • Investigating the energy absorption of sandwich panel with aluminum core and skin under Quasi-static loading: A numerical and experimental study
    HR Rezayat, H Toozandehjani, A Zakeri
    Iranian Journal of Manufacturing Engineering 11 (1), 61-75 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • بررسی جذب انرژی پانل ساندویچی با هسته و رویه آلومینیومی تحت بارگذاری شبه استاتیک: مطالعه عددی و تجربی ‎
    رضایت, توزنده جانی, ذاکری ‎
    مهندسی ساخت و تولید ایران 11 (1), 61-75 , 2024 ‎
    2024

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Knowledge and intellectual capital in internationalizing SMEs, case study in technology-based health companies
    A Zakery, MS Saremi
    Journal of Intellectual Capital 22 (2), 219-242 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 104
  • Topic-based technology mapping using patent data analysis: A case study of vehicle tires
    M Ghaffari, A Aliahmadi, A Khalkhali, A Zakery, TU Daim, H Yalcin
    Technological Forecasting and Social Change 193, 122576 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 68
  • Intellectual capital based performance improvement, study in insurance firms
    A Zakery, A Afrazeh
    Journal of Intellectual Capital 16 (3), 619-638 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 48
  • A reinforcement learning methodology for a human resource planning problem considering knowledge-based promotion
    AM Karimi-Majd, M Mahootchi, A Zakery
    Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory 79, 87-99 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 33
  • Exploring the technological leaders using tire industry patents: A topic modeling approach
    M Ghaffari, A Aliahmadi, A Khalkhali, A Zakery, TU Daim, M Zamani
    Technology in Society 78, 102664 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 29
  • Analysing and improving the strategic alignment of firms’ resource dynamics
    A Zakery, A Afrazeh, J Dumay
    Journal of Intellectual Capital 18 (1), 217-240 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 27
  • Analysing intellectual capital management and growth based on dynamic modelling
    A Zakery, A Afrazeh
    Knowledge management research & practice 15 (1), 101-113 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 26
  • The role of dynamic capabilities in internationalization performance of technology-based firms in Iran
    A Zakery, MS Saremi
    Journal of the Knowledge Economy 16 (1), 453-477 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 18
  • Logistics future trends
    A Zakery
    Logist. Oper. Manag 6, 93-105 , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 12
  • Simulation of stakeholders’ consensus on organizational technology acceptance (case study: Internet of Things)
    A Sarkeshikian, M Shafia, A Zakery, A Aliahmadi
    Kybernetes 50 (8), 2367-2396 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 9
  • Metabolic syndrome and lifestyle-associated factors in the ethnically diverse population of Khuzestan, Iran: a cross-sectional study
    A Aryannejad, S Eghtesad, Z Rahimi, Z Mohammadi, R Malihi, ...
    Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders 20 (1), 747-756 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 8
  • An explainable machine learning-based approach for analyzing customers' online data to identify the importance of product attributes
    A Karimzadeh, A Zakery, M Mohammadi, A Yavari
    arXiv preprint arXiv:2402.05949 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 6
  • Open innovation antecedents and its consequences on commercialization performance in small and medium-sized enterprises
    MJ Asgari, A Zakery, MS Pishvaee
    Kybernetes 51 (2), 804-826 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 6
  • Stakeholders’ consensus on organizational technology acceptance; using thematic analysis and SEM
    A Sarkeshikian, A Zakery, MA Shafia, A Aliahmadi
    Kybernetes 50 (6), 1873-1899 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 6
  • Determining the Knowledge Configuration in Internationalization Process of Iranian Technology-based-firms, Case Study in Medical Equipment
    A Zakery, MS Saremi
    Journal of International Businesses Administration 3 (3), 89-113 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 5
  • A decision-making pattern for university-industry collaboration considering the diversity in mechanisms and external players
    A Zakery, MS Shamsollahi, A Ghafarimoghadam, MS Pishvaee
    Journal of Science and Technology Policy 12 (1), 33-50 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 5
  • Assessing the impact of digitalisation on the export performance of Iranian SMEs: the mediating role of export readiness
    A Goldooz, A Zakery
    International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business 14 (1), 86-106 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 4
  • Investigating the Effects of Digitalization on the Export Performance of SMEs, Emphasizing the Mediating Role of Export Readiness
    A Goldooz, A Zakery, R Khanizad
    Journal of Strategic Management Studies , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 4
  • Analysing the Interactions Between Key Stakeholders in a Regional Innovation System (Case Study: Rab-e-Rashidi Special Region of Science and Technology)
    R Karimlou, A Zakery
    Journal of Improvement management 14 (450), 85-114 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 4
  • Technology portfolio perspective for analyzing open innovation: insights from Iranian high-tech SMEs
    J Mashayekh, A Zakery
    Asian Journal of Technology Innovation 32 (3), 506-528 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3