Journal of Intelligent Marketing Management

Journal of Intelligent Marketing Management

Investigating the Role of Special Talents of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Enhancing Profitability of Digital Companies through Innovation and Creativity

Document Type : The scientific research paper

Authors
1 Master of Psychology of Exceptional Children, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 PhD in Business Management, Department of Business Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran and Department of Management, University College of Nabi.
Abstract
In the era of digital transformation and intensified competition in technology markets, the intelligent utilization of diverse human capital—particularly the special talents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—has emerged as a pivotal strategy for enhancing innovation and profitability in digital companies. This mixed-methods study comprehensively investigates the unique capabilities of individuals with ASD and their impact on financial performance, organizational creativity, and sustainable value creation within digital firms. Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with technology sector managers and experts, combined with statistical data collected from 52 digital companies, reveals that the active inclusion of talented individuals with ASD significantly increases innovation rates, reduces process errors, improves job satisfaction, and leads to notable growth in profitability. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the implementation of supportive policies, development of flexible work environments, and managerial education on neurodiversity can overcome existing barriers and maximize the potential of diverse human capital. This research, by offering a conceptual model and practical recommendations, provides a robust foundation for rethinking human resource policies in knowledge-based companies and fostering sustainable competitive advantage.
Keywords

Anderson, J., & Evans, R. (2025). Neurodiversity in the Digital Workplace: Opportunities for Innovation. Journal of Digital Business Studies, 21(1), 55–73.
Bain & Company. (2025). Global Diversity and Corporate Profitability Report 2025. Bain & Company Publications.
Bennett, T., O’Shea, J., & Turner, R. (2024). Social Value Creation and Disability Inclusion in Digital Firms. Social Enterprise Journal, 20(2), 181–200.
Brown, S., Davis, T., & Clark, R. (2024). Autism and Algorithmic Thinking: Contributions to the IT Workforce. Computers in Human Behavior, 149, 107865.
Cameron, D., & Bell, M. (2025). Unleashing Hidden Talents: The Impact of Autistic Savants on Digital Innovation. Management Innovation Review, 13(2), 65–88.
Chang, H., Park, S., & Lee, K. (2024). Cognitive Strengths of Autistic Individuals in the Context of Digital Product Development. Journal of Applied Psychology, 109(6), 1274–1292.
Fleming, R., Wells, A., & Ortiz, N. (2025). A Meta-Analysis of Neurodiversity and Corporate Performance in Technology Firms. Human Resource Management Review, 35(1), 33–58.
Foster, E., Nguyen, T., & Martinez, V. (2024). Rethinking Human Capital: Neurodiversity as a Strategic Asset. Harvard Business Review, 102(3), 98–112.
Gallagher, M., Chen, Y., & Bryant, S. (2024). Neurodiverse Teams and Commercial Success in Digital Startups. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 48(1), 21–39.
Gupta, S., Zhang, L., & Kim, Y. (2025). Competitive Dynamics and Human Capital in Digital Enterprises. Digital Strategy & Innovation Journal, 14(2), 79–99.
Harper, R., Walton, J., & Wu, L. (2025). Matching Digital Roles with Autistic Strengths: A New Paradigm in IT Recruitment. Information Systems Journal, 35(1), 44–67.
Harrison, T., & Meyer, S. (2024). Ethics and Responsibility in Human Resource Management: Focusing on Neurodiversity. Business Ethics: A European Review, 33(1), 60–81.
Jansen, P., Russell, D., & Bishop, M. (2025). Organizational Practices for Neurodiverse Talent Retention. Human Resource Development International, 28(2), 110–138.
Klein, C., Fraser, S., & Norris, H. (2025). Innovating with Inclusion: Business Outcomes of Neurodiverse Teams. Strategic Management Journal, 46(2), 209–229.
Lee, A., Thomas, P., & Shaw, G. (2025). Embracing Autistic Talent in the Digital Economy: Lessons from Multinationals. International Journal of Management Reviews, 27(1), 2–28.
Li, J., Hwang, T., & Sun, P. (2024). Creative Problem Solving in Software Teams: The Autism Advantage. IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, 50(2), 600–618.
Morrison, F., Holt, E., & Andrews, R. (2025). From Neurodiversity to Competitive Advantage: Strategic Human Resource Policies in Tech Firms. Personnel Review, 54(3), 499–517.
Nguyen, Q., Patel, R., & Kim, S. (2025). Digital Talent Shortages and the Rise of Neurodiverse Hiring. Future of Work Journal, 5(1), 88–109.
O'Connor, B., Williams, D., & Mathews, J. (2024). Business Case for Autism Employment Programs in IT. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 36(4), 1402–1423.
Patel, R., & Kim, S. (2025). Risk Management and Cognitive Diversity in Digital Enterprises. Risk Analysis, 45(1), 66–87.
Ramos, S., Garcia, A., & Torres, M. (2025). High-Performance Digital Teams: Harnessing the Power of Neurodiversity. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 46(1), 301–322.
SAP. (2024). Autism at Work: Annual Impact Report 2024. https://www.sap.com
Smith, G., & Wilson, E. (2024). Autism and the Digital Economy: Rethinking Inclusion. Technology and Disability, 36(1), 75–99.
Sullivan, P., & Hart, K. (2025). Accelerating Product Development through Autistic Strengths. R&D Management, 55(2), 212–236.
Torres, M., Rios, G., & Hernandez, J. (2024). Sustainable Value Creation through Workforce Diversity in Tech Firms. Sustainability, 16(3), 1448.
Vargas, C., Yoon, J., & Taylor, F. (2025). Overcoming Barriers: Inclusion of Autistic Individuals in Digital Workplaces. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 30(2), 211–229.
Watson, L., Brandt, M., & Lee, R. (2024). Innovation, Inclusion, and Corporate Profitability: The Neurodiversity Dividend. Journal of Business Research, 131, 111–124.
Volume 6, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
Summer 2025
Pages 410-432

  • Receive Date 25 March 2025
  • Revise Date 04 June 2025
  • Accept Date 04 June 2025