This study has two theoretical and empirical objectives. In the theoretical field, the evolutionary evaluation of innovation ecosystems (IEs) in order to reach a consensus in determining the actors, and the structural evaluation of them in line of providing a comprehensive structuring model are considered. From an empirical perspective, three objectives are defined: (1) mapping and pathology of Mashhad’s gold and jewelry innovation ecosystem (MGJIE), (2) determining the effective policies of quadruple helix aiming to increase performance of MGJIE, (3) formulating a renewal plan of MGJIE. To meet the theoretical objectives, 95 papers were selected from Web of Science database. Selected articles were content analyzed to identify actors of IEs and also to propose them appropriate structure. To meet the first empirical objective, 15 interviews were conducted to identify the time span of various stages of the MGJIE’s lifecycle as well as each cycle’s drivers and barriers. To meet the second empirical objectives, 52 questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Then, policies identified along with the opinions of experts were used as the basis for formulating a renewal plan. The findings in the theoretical field can be used by all researchers of IEs, and experimental findings can also be used as a model for the renewal of them in countries with moderate economic development such as Iran.

Keywords