Mission-Oriented Taxonomy of Iran’s Science and Technology Parks Based on Content Analysis of Strategic Documents

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Mission-Oriented Taxonomy of Iran’s Science and Technology Parks Based on Content Analysis of Strategic Documents

2 PhD candidate at National Research Institute for Science Policy. Tehran. Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Science and Research Policy Department, National Research Institute for Science Policy, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Policy Evaluation and STI Monitoring Department, National Research Institute for Science Policy, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/jstp.2025.12103.1954

Abstract

Science and technology parks around the world have contributed to the promotion of technology-based entrepreneurship as policy instruments for innovation by co-locating knowledge-based and technology firms and leveraging agglomeration effects. Despite numerous studies on the diversity of structures, objectives, and roles of science and technology parks at the international level, systematic research for classifying and comparing parks in Iran remains limited. This study seeks to address this gap by developing a taxonomy of Iranian science and technology parks. Data were extracted from the strategic documents of seventeen science and technology parks whose documents were accessible. The analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software through open and axial coding, the construction of a park–mission matching matrix, and the application of a classification method. The findings indicate that Iranian parks can be grouped into four main mission-based categories: (1) comprehensive/horizontal parks with a focus on covering a wide range of technologies and services; (2) sectoral/vertical parks with an emphasis on specific specialized clusters and defined value chains; (3) national and international networking parks with an intermediary mission to connect actors, develop export markets, and attract foreign investment; and (4) regional parks oriented toward addressing local problems, developing human resources, and aligning with territorial planning policies. The results provide an operational guide for policy-makers to design differentiated support mechanisms, allocate resources in a more targeted manner, and develop mission-based performance evaluation indicators.

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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 79-96

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