Methodological Review of Science,Technology and Innovation Policy Studies in Iran: Patterns and Gaps

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

School of Management, Economics and Progress Engineering / Iran University of Science and Technology

10.22034/rahyaft.2026.12148.1625

Abstract

Science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy studies play a pivotal role in advancing a knowledge-based economy and improving national decision-making processes. Nevertheless, a systematic methodological assessment of this field in Iran has so far received limited attention. This study adopts a meta-method approach to identify patterns, trends, and methodological gaps by conducting a systematic analysis of 126 scholarly articles published between 1390 and 1403. Data were collected from reputable national academic databases and classified according to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research designs. The findings indicate a dominance of qualitative approaches, accounting for 63 percent of the studies. Content analysis, thematic analysis, and meta-synthesis were the most frequently employed methods, whereas quantitative techniques such as structural equation modeling and mixed-method designs were applied only sparingly. Data collection tools included systematic reviews, library research, interviews, and questionnaires, with a noticeable increase in field-based methods after 1392. The prevalence of qualitative approaches is attributed to limited access to reliable quantitative data, the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and the institutional context of research in Iran. The results emphasize the necessity of strengthening quantitative and mixed-method approaches to achieve more comprehensive analyses and evidence-based policymaking in the STI domain. Broader use of empirical datasets, advanced statistical modeling, and active stakeholder participation can enable more precise evaluations of policy effectiveness and the identification of causal relationships. By providing a comprehensive picture of current methodological practices, this study offers a robust foundation for enhancing the quality of future research and improving the policymaking process in science, technology, and innovation in Iran.

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