Document Type : Research Article (Original Article)
Authors
1
Assistant professor, Department of Technology Development Studies, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
2
Ph.D. in Information Technology Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
3
Ph.D. in Science and Technology Policy, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of technology Development studies, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)
10.22034/jmi.2026.582152.3292
Abstract
Iranian public research institutes face challenges such as insufficient wealth creation, heavy reliance on government funding, and limited impact on industry and society. This study aims to redefine the mission and strategic functions of the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) in line with the transition to fourth-generation research institutes. The research methodology is based on a triangulation approach, including a comparative study of six leading global institutes (Fraunhofer, AIST, CSIRO, TÜBİTAK, ITRI, CNRS), qualitative analysis of interviews with senior managers of the organization, and quantitative analysis of an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) questionnaire among 39 faculty members. The findings indicate that technology-oriented and problem-oriented approaches, contrary to the traditional science-oriented paradigm (publication-centric), are emphasized as the main poles. Based on the prioritization results, the highest ranks belong to the following functions: "playing the role of a think tank and policy research", "facilitating and developing entrepreneurship", "industry and technology assessments", and "early technology development". These findings redefine the organization from a mere research institution into a driving engine of innovation and a bridge between science and wealth at the level of national challenges.
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