Evaluating the knowledge-based environment in Iranian Islamic research centers

‘Ba’ environments in research centers are one of the most important factors influencing research development. The success of research centers can be classified into three categories of infrastructure factors, actors, and information resources to facilitate knowledge creation in the ‘Ba’ environment. Evaluating Knowledge Creation ‘Ba’ environments which are designed and tested to evaluate the knowledge creation environment of Islamic research centers, is based on the Triple Helix Knowledge Creation Theory and the I- system used by researchers for academic and research centers. Ba’ environment in the knowledge creation process, doesn't just refer to a physical space, but includes virtual spaces based on the Internet, and more mental spaces which involve sharing experiences and ideas. Among its variables for evaluating the ‘Ba’ environment are intelligence, involvement, and imagination; and for researchers' abilities, the variables of participation and integration are used for evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge creation environment of Islamic research centers from the viewpoint of researchers and faculty members.

The present study is an applied research. The data collection method was survey. The main instrument for data collection was a questionnaire with 30 questions for 'ba' environment, seven questions for the capabilities of researchers and faculty members, and five questions for personality traits. The study population consisted of all researchers and faculty members of Iranian Islamic research Centers, who were 2328 people, from whom a sample of 330 individuals were chosen according to the Krejci-Morgan Table. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software program.

The results on the ‘Ba’ environment in terms of infrastructure in intelligence Ba showed that all of the variables except the observed variable "External Electronic-knowledge resources" is in good condition. The results of the ‘Ba’ environment status from the perspective of “actors in ‘intelligence Ba’” showed that: all of the criteria except the variable "having a clear vision and strategy for the future of the situation", are good. Results on the ‘Ba’ environment in terms of “information in ‘intelligence Ba’” showed that all variable except the “Various programs for correction, evaluation, and documentation of research articles” are in good condition.Infrastructure assesses the possibility of scientific interaction in the ‘Ba’ environment. Based on the data, the level of assessment of the infrastructure of participation in the research environment is below average. Results of Data analysis for variables and Criteria showed that in ‘Ba’ environment for “actors in ‘involvement Ba’” all variables are in average level, in the ‘Ba’ environment “information in ‘involvement Ba’” all the criteria are below the average level,  in the ‘Ba’ environment “infrastructure in ‘imagination Ba’” the variables are above average, in the ‘Ba’ environment “actors in ‘imagination Ba’ variables are in average level and in the ‘Ba’ environment “information in ‘imagination Ba’” the criteria in the research environment are above average. In addition, Status of ‘Ba’ environment “capabilities of researchers and faculty members” from integration and participation factors showed that different research Abilities are desirable. Furthermore, ‘Ba’ environment status results in terms of personality traits showed that: activity (curiosity, foresight) interest in working at the research environment, empathy (communication skills) interest in attending scientific and research meetings and generally sharing opinions, persistence (planning skills) perseverance on doing research work, autonomy (sense of responsibility) ability to control Feelings and doubts about completing research work, being able to comprehend, Thinking skill (logical thinking) analyzing research activities (including insights, comprehension, and memory) are in desirable level. Also, Equivalent Ph.D. scholars and researchers with more than 25 years of experience have more research activities.

Relatively appropriate actions have been taken in specific environments of Islamic research centers to facilitate the creation of knowledge, but authorities and participants can use the results of evaluating knowledge creation in such an environment to address weaknesses and improve their strengths.