Policymaking and Developing Model of Innovation Center in Iran: Evidence Based on Grounded Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and STI Financing, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Policy Evaluation & STI Monitoring, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/jstp.2025.12019.1914

Abstract

Innovation centers, as key innovation intermediaries in the ecosystem, play a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship and facilitating interactions among innovation ecosystem’ players and stakeholders. This study aims to design a localized paradigmatic model for the development of innovation centers in Iran, employing the Grounded Theory methodology and field data gathered from interviews with 19 experts from Iran’s innovation ecosystem. Inefficiency of innovation centers in Iran, is considered as the central phenomenon of this research. Accordingly, the findings indicate that the causal conditions include superficial learning without localization of the concept in the formation of innovation centers, as well as a lack of institutional and functional transparency within these centers. The background conditions also include weaknesses in innovation governance and disregard for territorial planning, as well as financial and administrative dependence of innovation centers on government resources, and a lack of support programs and services. On the other hand, intervening conditions such as executive structures incompatible with innovation requirements and the abundance of institutions without executive functions in innovation ecosystems have created important challenges to the development of effective innovation centers in the country. The strategies proposed in this study include transformation in innovation governance, development of soft and hard skills and capabilities, and development of national and international cooperation networks.According to experts, implementation of these strategies will lead to consequences such as balanced growth of the innovation ecosystem, Utilizing the capacity of the law of knowledge-based production leap  to develop investments, and enhanced service quality in innovation centers. By presenting a comprehensive and indigenous model, this study provides a framework for policymakers and innovation center directors to overcome structural challenges and move towards playing an effective role in the country's innovation ecosystem.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Science and Technology Policy
Volume 18, Issue 3 - Serial Number 67
Special Issue: "The Role of Various Intermediary Organizations in Facilitating Entrepreneurship Development in Iran's Innovation Ecosystem"
October 2025
Pages 21-40

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