THE ROLE OF CRIMINAL PROTECTION IN THE SUSTAINABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES: CHALLENGES AND AN ADAPTIVE APPROACH

Abstract

The rapid growth of the knowledge-based economy and the expansion of the innovation ecosystem have led to the emergence of new patterns of economic activities that have specific vulnerabilities to criminal risks. Crimes such as intellectual property infringement, digital fraud, cyberattacks, unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets, as well as unhealthy competition, are among the threats that can directly affect the security, continuity, and development of businesses. In the meantime, the use of criminal law tools as a support mechanism, especially for innovative businesses that rely on new technologies, has gained additional importance. With the aim of analyzing the status and effectiveness of criminal protection for innovative businesses, this research examines domestic laws, international documents, and selected judicial procedures, and with a comparative approach, compares the Iranian legal system with some leading countries in the field of business and technology law. The research method is descriptive-analytical and inferential, and the data were collected using library resources and document content analysis. The research findings show that the creation of comprehensive criminal protection frameworks, while promoting investment security and the trust of economic actors, can provide a platform for the flourishing of innovation, the expansion of competitive markets, and sustainable development.