Designing Production Prosperity Strategies from the Perspective of Planning and Research and Development Affairs in Industrial Enterprises Active in the Auto Parts Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

This study aimed to design and explain a comprehensive model of production prosperity strategies from the perspective of planning and research and development (R&D) in industrial enterprises operating in the auto parts manufacturing industry. This developmental-applied study employed a mixed qualitative–quantitative design within a pragmatic paradigm. In the qualitative phase, multiple grounded theory was applied by integrating theoretical exploration through a meta-synthesis of 88 scientific documents published between 2000 and 2024 with empirical exploration based on 18 semi-structured interviews with academic, industrial, and governmental experts. In the quantitative phase, relationships among the identified strategies were analyzed using fuzzy cognitive mapping, while firms were classified using K-means clustering. The expert panel consisted of 18 participants, and the quantitative sample included 360 presidents and senior managers of automotive parts manufacturing companies located in northwestern Iran, selected through stratified random sampling. The qualitative model was further validated using the Content Validity Ratio and Content Validity Index. Inferential findings organized 34 basic themes and 11 organizing themes into four overarching dimensions: collaborative R&D, future-oriented R&D, applied and profitability-oriented R&D, and targeted R&D. Fuzzy cognitive map analysis identified substantive causal relationships and strategic pathways among the model dimensions, with the system approaching stability after seven learning iterations. Cluster analysis identified three distinct groups of firms. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences among the three clusters across all examined strategies; significance levels were below 0.001 for most dimensions and 0.003 for EMP. The largest F statistics were obtained for INB (F=884.402), BOS (F=874.463), and TAFI (F=641.603), demonstrating substantial differentiation among firms in their strategic preferences. The findings indicate that sustainable production prosperity in the auto parts manufacturing industry requires an integrated and systematic R&D orientation, with applied and profitability-oriented R&D occupying a central position; consequently, firms should emphasize key technology development, targeted R&D financing, collaborative innovation, and alignment of R&D activities with market requirements to strengthen competitiveness and achieve sustainable competitive advantage.