Designing a Model for Universitie's Research Functions with Auxiliary Industry Orientation

For years, the link between university and industry has been one of the concerns of politicians at both national and international levels. Hence, the present study aimed at identifying and designing a model for universities’ research functions to help industry succeed in light of the suggestions of experts in industry and universities. A mixed method approach was used to collect data in this study. The qualitative data was collected through interviews with 18 experts including university professors, managers, and directors in the ministry of science and technology. To analyze qualitative data, the approach of open coding, axial coding and Selected coding was used. The findings demonstrated that research functions in line with auxiliary industry can be subsumed under 4 dimensions, 13 indices, and 64 criteria. Delphi’s approach was used to examine the extent of the significance of each of the identified criteria in the quantitative data.
Finally, upon the analysis of data, a model consisting of 13 indices and 46 criteria is suggested regarding research functions with auxiliary industry orientation. Four major components of this model emphasizes research-oriented policy making, promoting research, supporting research infrastructure, and evaluating research outcomes. Finally, in addition to discussions, a number of functional and policy-making suggestions are presented to enhance industry’s functions in light of research conducted at universities.