Policy Researcher and Policymaker; An Investigation into Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Policy Research in Governmental Science Policies in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Maghsoud Farasatkhah 1
Reza Maniee 2
1 Professor, Department of Planning in Higher Education, Institute for Research & Planning in Higher Education, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Futures Studies in Higher Education, Institute for Research and Planning in Higher Education. Tehran, Iran
10.61838/KMAN.IRPHE.30.4.2
Abstract
The Global Knowledge Index report indicates that Iran's ranking in certain indicators, such as higher education system inputs, knowledge capital, and research output, is relatively average. However, its ranking in outputs, particularly the ultimate impact of research, is among the lowest globally. The aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing the effectiveness of policy research in the decision-making and policy-making processes of science and higher education. A quantitative survey method was employed to test the hypotheses. A proportionate random sample was selected from faculty members and researchers in six policy research institutions in the field of science, research, and technology. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett's sphericity tests were conducted, followed by factor analysis with varimax rotation, structural equation modeling, and importance-performance map analysis. All but the second hypothesis were confirmed. The researchers' status, in terms of "emigration, marginalization, or active residence," was related to the "structure and behavior of the government in the field of science, the independence of the academic institution, and the freedom of researchers, as well as decentralization and de-politicization." Three categories of interventions—"1. managerial and organizational, 2. interactive, and 3. researcher-driven interventions"—influenced their research strategies and tactics. These strategies and tactics, in turn, affected the "effectiveness of research both in public policy-making for the government and in the discursive and social impacts of science." Significant differences were observed between men and women in terms of whether these interventions were "interactive" or involved "knowledge re-creation" and a "critical and socially responsive approach." Some generational differences were also observed in the effectiveness of research. Researchers whose strategies primarily involved interaction with the scientific community differed significantly in terms of effectiveness from those who interacted with a larger society. Various policy recommendations were provided.

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References

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  • Receive Date 04 February 2024
  • Revise Date 23 June 2024
  • Accept Date 23 June 2024
  • Publish Date 21 December 2024