Artificial intelligence, as a key driver in the development of startup ecosystems, helps them grow sustainably by improving internal processes, accelerating innovation, and providing advanced solutions. This technology also plays an important role in increasing customer satisfaction through data analysis and optimizing decision-making. The purpose of the present study is to design a lean startup ecosystem development model using artificial intelligence. This study was conducted with an applied purpose, a qualitative approach, and a content analysis method. The statistical population of this study consisted of 12 experts in the field of artificial intelligence and faculty members of universities in Kermanshah province. In addition, purposive sampling and snowball sampling were used to identify experts and experts. Data were also collected through interviews with experts. Coding with the content analysis method was used to analyze the data. The research findings showed that the development factors affecting decision-making processes in startups are categorized into 43 basic themes, 8 organizing themes, and 3 overarching themes, including: infrastructure and technology factors, management and decision-making factors, and culture-building factors. This research shows how the lean startup ecosystem can help improve decision-making processes, increase transparency and accountability, and ultimately promote efficiency and innovation, and a deeper understanding of development factors is influential in providing practical solutions and effective policies for the optimal use of artificial intelligence.
Rezaee, B., Najafpour, H., & Kahrizi, Z. (2026). Identifying Artificial Intelligence Challenges in the Development of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Lean Startups: A Qualitative Study. Education and Management of Entrepreneurship, 5(1), 47-66. doi: 10.22126/eme.2025.12346.1187
MLA
Bijan Rezaee; Hoda Najafpour; Zohreh Kahrizi. "Identifying Artificial Intelligence Challenges in the Development of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Lean Startups: A Qualitative Study". Education and Management of Entrepreneurship, 5, 1, 2026, 47-66. doi: 10.22126/eme.2025.12346.1187
HARVARD
Rezaee, B., Najafpour, H., Kahrizi, Z. (2026). 'Identifying Artificial Intelligence Challenges in the Development of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Lean Startups: A Qualitative Study', Education and Management of Entrepreneurship, 5(1), pp. 47-66. doi: 10.22126/eme.2025.12346.1187
VANCOUVER
Rezaee, B., Najafpour, H., Kahrizi, Z. Identifying Artificial Intelligence Challenges in the Development of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Lean Startups: A Qualitative Study. Education and Management of Entrepreneurship, 2026; 5(1): 47-66. doi: 10.22126/eme.2025.12346.1187
)