Iranian Journal of Public Policy

Iranian Journal of Public Policy

Presentation a Policy Model for Supporting the basic Research ; A Case Study of the Iranian National Science Foundation (INSF)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Meisam Narimani 1
Mohammad Askarian 2
Seyed Mohammad Sahebkar Khorasani 1
Ali Mohammad Soltani 1
1 Assistant Professor at the Technology Studies Institute, Tehran, Iran
2 Researcher at the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, Tehran, Iran
10.22059/jppolicy.2024.98280
Abstract
Supporting the basic research or using the results of the ones have been carried out in other countries (especially developed ones), as well as the manner and the extent of support in such a way that it has the greatest socio-economic effects, has always been one of the concerns of science policymakers. Although many of the researches conducted in Iran universities are basic ones, there is no independent institution to direct and support this type of researches. Given that the most relevant institution for supporting basic research in Iran is the National Science Foundation of Iran, the study of the issues related to supporting basic research in this institution has been considered to answer the research question. In this research, with the aim of achieving a policy model for the development and support of basic research in Iran, a qualitative research method with an exploratory strategy was used, and a semi-structured interview method was used to collect data. In addition, data triangulation and researcher triangulation have been used to ensure the validity of the research. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 13 experts, scientific policy and a number of university faculty members. Based on the analysis, the policy model for the development of basic research in Iran includes components such as determining the topic, variety of programs, evaluation system, incentive system and applicability of the research results. It is also suggested to consider a competitive grant system to support basic research; both the priorities of the policy maker and the preferences of the researchers should be considered in choosing and supporting the projects; and while enhancing the peer review system, new methods and technologies should be employed to evaluate projects, proposals, and researchers.
Keywords
Basic Research
Evaluation System
Incentive System
Prioritization
Science Policy
Basic Research Development Model
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Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 10, Issue 2
2024
Pages 67-82