The wisdom of state intervention in forming the science and technology cooperation networks in Iran

To form science and technology cooperation networks-as one of the efficient tools of transferring knowledge and assets sharing- two different patterns are used in the world. In the first pattern، the networks are formed informally and by the spontaneous participation of those interested; and in the second one، the networks are established as a political tool with a state institution intervention in the form of a formal organization. In this research، by studying seven cases of the most important cooperation networks formed in Iran from 1375 to 1385 in the field of science and technology، the reasons (and wisdom) of state intervention in establishing cooperation networks are studied، and the privileges and defects of the mentioned patterns from the effective people''s viewpoint in the networks under study are examined. In this regard، the different research tools including document analysis and open interviews with the founders of the networks under study and observation have been used in a form of qualitative study. Considering the research results، although the spontaneous participation for establishing cooperation networks are evaluated more suitable by the most activists of the networks under study، but at least for six reasons including the social infrastructure weakness of the networks cooperation، and the need for government investment in order to establish common infrastructures، the state intervention in forming the networks is inevitable.