A mixed approach of open R&D ecosystem case study: Iran`s nanotechnology

The present research seeks to identify the structure, how they interact and examine the factors that show the openness of the boundaries of the ecosystem of open R&D. For this purpose, the field of nanotechnology in Iran has been selected as the field of study.

In terms of research method, this research is mixed and in terms of result, it is an application that has been done with the approach of Grandad theory, and research data were collected through library studies (a reference to existing documents and study of previous research), open interviews, and three semi-structured questionnaires.The statistical population is selected through a judgment-targeted method.7 academic experts (professors of R&D policies), 4 entrepreneurs(nanoscale-certified firms), and 4 policymakers in the nanotechnology sector (National Nanotechnology Initiative) were interviewed.Analysis of qualitative data obtained from open interviews with experts in Atlas.ti software, analysis of interrelationships through the Fuzzy-DEMATEL method in Exell, and analysis of the best decision and ranking of effective criteria for Monitoring the openness of the research and development ecosystem is performed by network analysis based on Fuzzy-DEMATEL method (DANP) in SuperDecision software.

The findings of this study show that the structure of the R&D ecosystem in Iran`s nanotechnology has ecosystemic dimensions which consist of Human resources, Infrastructure, Financial resources, Governance as well as performance dimensions which consist of commercialization, scientific works, and patents as IP. Another finding of this study is that the Performance dimension has the greatest impact on reopening the frontiers of R&D in Iran's nanotechnology and the commercialization criteria have the highest weight to monitor the R&D ecosystem.

 In addition to enabling policymakers to evaluate and measure policies and decisions made over time, it also helps companies streamline their knowledge and technology resources to learn, collaborate, and transfer Manage foreign companies and vice versa.