The Challenges of Implementing a National Scholarly Publication System in Iran

Document Type : review paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Knowledge and Information Science; Research Institution for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc), Tehran, Iran

2 Ph.D. in Knowledge and Information Science; Assistant Professor; Research Institution for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc), Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Human Science Faculty, Islamic Azad University, Yadegar Imam Khomeini (RAH) branch, Shahr-e-Rey, Tehran. Iran

Abstract

The Challenges of Implementing a National Scholarly Publication System in Iran
Background and Objectives: In order to achieve a stronger position in international scientific communities, it is necessary to strengthen the country's science publishing ecosystem by tackling pathology and removing barriers. In this research, we have explored the complex challenges facing the Iranian scientific publishing ecosystem in order to find out which obstacles are preventing an effective implementation of a robust scholarly publication system.
Methodology: This research employed a qualitative methodology, utilizing content analysis to delve into the experiences and perspectives of Iranian scientific publishing experts. The primary data collection tool was a semi-structured interview, designed to elicit rich and nuanced insights from participants. A purposive sample of 19 specialists, actively engaged in scientific or executive roles within scientific centers, was selected for the study. To facilitate data analysis, the researchers utilized MaxQDA software. Within this platform, answers to each interview question were meticulously coded as open codes, allowing for the identification of patterns, themes, and recurring ideas across participant responses.
Findings: the obstacles to the scientific publishing ecosystem were examined in 4 dimensions, which include the disadvantages of the lack of an integrated system in the direction of scientific publishing, possible issues in the implementation of the scientific publishing system in Iran, Lack of determination of responsibility and management in the scientific publishing system. The lack of identification of the core players in the planning and decision-making of scientific publishing.
Discussion: The problems of the scientific publishing ecosystem of Iran are generally divided into current problems and future problems of the scientific publishing. The findings of this research in the field of current problems include the lack of integration of science publishing systems, the lack of foresight and forecasting for future crises, the lack of a defined institution for the management of scientific publishing; And in the section of future problems include the non-comprehensive laws or outdated regulations and the lack of laws that are suitable for an integrated system of scientific publication, the exclusive rules given to some organizations according to the statutes or regulations, the lack of concern and priority of the future of scientific publication for policy makers and the scientific community, independence and reluctance of scientific centers to participate in the integrated system of scholarly publications.

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References

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