Evaluation of International Scientific Cooperation of Iranian Top Universities: Using SWOT Strategic Analysis Approach

This study aims to assess international scientific cooperation of Iranian top universities through using SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) strategic analysis approach. This research has been carried out based on descriptive survey. The statistical population has been consisted of 313 experts who were selected among 6478 faculty members from top 10 universities through a stratified sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose content validity was confirmed and reviewed by experts as well as its reliability was measured by running on Cronbach's alpha test (816/0). Also, data analysis was conducted through Fuzzy BWM. The most important strengths include the enhancement of researchers’ interaction and attendance in international conferences also paving the way for international development in universities. Inadequacy of the annual grants of faculties’ members as well as lack of awareness of universities officials of International scientific cooperation are the main weaknesses. The tendency of Iranian youths towards changing ways of international interactions as well as international community's achievement to accept Iran in international academic consortiums are considered as the greatest opportunities. In spite of these successes, there are still serious threats such as economic recession in most countries; the lack of political grounds for international scientific cooperation and the spread of both Islamophobia and Iranphobia around the world.