Proposing a Framework for Ranking International Science and Technology Institutions: The case of International S&T Policymaking Institutions

One of the relevant topics in the field of science, technology and innovation policy is international S&T cooperation. This study proposes a framework for ranking these institutions focusing on a clear example of international S&T cooperation; cooperation in the context of multilateral international institutions, in order to decide on the membership and better utilization of their capacities. Seeing deficit in the history of the assessment of countries’ performance in these institutions, the research has suggested a function-oriented framework based on nine functions to rank these institutions. These functions are as follows: form and support of interaction, communication and networking at the level of individuals, organizations and governments; legitimacy and proper visualization in regional or international level; making regulation and international standards in the field of science and technology; production, processing and distribution of information; monitoring and enforcing international regulations; allocation and sharing of resources; cooperation and joint action; arbitration and resolving international challenges; training, empowerment and capacity building. Then, using the proposed framework, forty-six international active institutions in the field of S&T policymaking were ranked in six categories. The result shows that the Islamic Republic of Iran almost poses the membership of those institutions placed second to fourth categories. Finally, some recommendations about the revision of the Islamic Republic of Iran's membership in these institutions as well as the efficient use of their capacity have been proposed.