Modeling an innovative university by applying a qualitative approach

The purpose of the present study was to present an innovative university model for and among the Islamic Azad Universities of North Khorasan. The researchers applied the qualitative method to carry out the study and the ‘theme analysis’ to analyze the data. The target population was comprised of the experts in the field of management of whom 20 subjects were selected as the expert panel. By applying an interview protocol, the data was collected and by using the software ‘NVIVO’ the data was analyzed. The findings of the study indicated that, based on the expert panel’s views, an innovative university among the Islamic Azad Universities of North Khorasan enjoyed five selective indicators (codes), thirteen indicators (codes) of orientation, and fifty nine free codes. To measure the validity of the qualitative phase of the study, the researchers used the expert-triangulation method which was conducted by two experts in management. Thence, the identified selective indicators (codes) were ranked by applying the Friedman Test. The results of this section showed that the personality, organizational structure, and information technology dimension characteristics respectively enjoyed the utmost significance in structuring an innovative university. Therefore, according to the findings of the present study, to materialize an innovative university, one is required to closely prioritize the personality, organizational structure, and information technology characteristics.