Theoretical Base and an Algorithm of Priority Setting for Applied and Developmental Research

To improve situations in our competitive world, setting R&D and technology priorities is one of the shared concerns of researchers as well as policymakers in all countries. Proposing an appropriate method and designing an effective model adopted with special domestic conditions besides both policymaking and policy-implementing is of more importance –due to their aim to catch up- in developing countries like Iran. This study tries to meet this need in a methodological approach on the basis of experts’ tacit knowledge, previous studies done in Iran and the comparative study of other countries’ experiments. This model, considering contingents necessities and restrictions, helps with strategists to use science and technology innovations for implementing national projects directed to our 2020 vision. It also suggests an objective method to managers of governmental research centers about research budget allocation.