Theory of Policy Networks: An Attitude for Explainingthe Problems of the Institutional Structure of Science and Technology Policy in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Despite the advancement of science and technology in Iran after the Islamic Revolution, the scientific and technological system in Iran is now facing serious problems, especially in terms of policy-making. The aim of the research, based on the interpretive paradigm and the meta-synthesis method, is to show that the theory of policy networks is a suitable approach to explain the problems of the institutional structure of science and technology policy in Iran. The research findings show two serious problems in this regard: problems corresponding to policy-making institutions and problems corresponding to the interactions between them. Thus, the theory of policy networks as a theory that emphasizes the importance of the role of "political actors" and "their interactions" can be a good way to get out of these problems. Therefore, on the one hand, policymakers are advised to pay more attention to the interactions of science and technology policy institutions, and on the other hand, researchers are advised to start special research programs to solve this problem.