A Model to Measure the Applicability Readiness Level of Humanities and Social Sciences Research

This research was carried out with the serious concern of creating an effective relationship between research and the needs of society and industry in the field of humanities and social sciences. The research aims to develop a model to measure the readiness level of humanities and social science research to be applied. The logic of this model is inspired by the well-known Technology Readiness Level (TRL) concept. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with 27 deans of universities and research institutes, experts, and policymakers in the field of science, research and technology. The data collection process continued until reaching theoretical saturation and data analysis was done by thematic analysis method. Among the four approaches proposed in the field of relationship between humanities and social science research with the concept of technology readiness level, (TRL), the fourth approach, i.e., the replacement approach, was considered. Further, instead of Technology Readiness levels that show the maturity level of a technology to enter the field of application, two criteria of enablers and results were replaced as the main themes of the model. Based on the developed model, education, research, dissemination, and promotion were considered enablers; and economic, socio-cultural and governance results were considered as results. Based on the system view of this model, enablers of humanities and social science research can implicitly be the foundation for the realization of practical achievements and results of humanities and social science research through improving processes and capacities.