University of Tehran Press Industrial Management Journal 3115-7386 18 4 2026 10 01 Designing the Cognitive Map of Key Actors in the Innovation Ecosystem: An Exploratory Study Using the Fuzzy Cognitive Modeling Approach 48 77 108606 10.22059/imj.2026.413648.1008314 EN Zahra Shahsavari Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, University Guilan, Rasht, Iran. Mahmoud Moradi Associate Prof., Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran. 0000-0002-6272-7892 Mohammad Rahim Ramazanian Associate Prof., Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran. 0000-0003-1026-8636 Reza Asadifard Associate Prof., Department of Innovation Policy and Foresight, Technology Studies Institute, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2026 05 02 Objective: Innovation ecosystems are complex, multilayered structures comprising diverse actors such as universities, industries, investors, policymakers, and researchers. Identifying and analyzing the interconnections among these actors is paramount for advancing innovation and improving ecosystem performance. This study investigates the relationships among actors within the innovation ecosystem of the laboratory industry using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) to analyze their causal relationships and mutual influences. Methodology: Based on a literature review, field data, and interviews with academic and industry experts, seventeen key actors were identified. A 17×17 interaction matrix was developed to determine the influence of each actor on others within the ecosystem. The FCM analysis was used to model the network structure of these actors and to evaluate the strength of their interactions. Results: The cognitive map analysis identified 17 actors and 268 causal relationships within the laboratory industry innovation ecosystem, indicating a highly interconnected structure. Centrality analysis shows that the LabsNet network, accelerators, platforms, and coordinating units play the most influential roles in shaping ecosystem dynamics. Conclusion: The findings highlight that the performance of the laboratory industry innovation ecosystem depends on the coordinated functioning of multiple interdependent actors. In particular, facilitative and coordination oriented structures—such as accelerators, platforms, and coordinating units—play a critical role in enabling interaction, knowledge exchange, and collaborative innovation. Strengthening these components can therefore support the sustainable development and dynamism of the ecosystem. https://imj.ut.ac.ir/article_108606_474073abeaed0cffca96ce5c3728a6e4.pdf