Developing a fourth generation model for Iranian universities

Considering the impact of fourth generation universities on social, economic and, cultural developments as well as the growth and development of local and regional communities, the main purpose of this article is to study the dimension and develop a fourth-generation university model for Iranian universities. The study was conducted within the framework of a qualitative approach and using the grounded theory strategy. The statistical population included experts and specialists in the field of higher education. Using the purposive sampling method, the required data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 25 experts. The data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software and based on Strauss and Corbin design in three stages of open, axial and selective coding. To validate and review the results, they were given to the interviewees and then using the peer review technique by five experts of higher education, the validity of the research was confirmed. Findings showed that the component of responsible value-creating university as a central phenomenon, transformationalism and adaptability as causal factors, responsible leadership, development of professional skills of human capital and developer curriculum as action strategies, components of specialized and professional policy-making, culture responsible innovation culture and transformational structure were identified as underlying conditions, whereas; academic independence and developer financial models were identified as the intervening components of the fourth generation university. The main consequence of the interaction of all the mentioned components is regional development, which plays a vital role in the development and growth of the local and national community in areas such as: cultural, social, economic and environmental.