شاخص‌های ارزیابی علم،‌ فناوری، و نوآوری: مطالعه تطبیقی ایران، استرالیا، و نیوزلند

Abstract
Purpose: In today’s evolving global landscape, effective evaluation and monitoring of research and technology capabilities drive innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness. This study aims to comprehensively analyze and compare science, technology, and innovation (STI) evaluation indicators across three distinct national contexts: Iran, Australia, and New Zealand. By developing a robust thematic framework, this research offers actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers seeking to enhance their research and innovation ecosystems. The importance of aligning evaluation methods with global standards cannot be overstated, as nations increasingly compete in the global knowledge economy. Australia and New Zealand were selected as benchmarks for comparison due to their leadership in STI evaluation practices, enabling a nuanced understanding of different national contexts and their impact on STI policies and outcomes. This comparative approach highlights best practices and contextual adaptations that can inform global policymaking.
Methodology: This study adopts a systematic and qualitative approach to compare STI evaluation indicators in Iran, Australia, and New Zealand. Data collection involved library research, document reviews, and governmental and institutional reports analysis. 445 indicators were identified and categorized into six main thematic groups: scientific publications, human capital, technology, budget, institutional environment, and innovation. These categories encompass diverse subcategories, such as R&D expenditure, education funding, venture capital investment, patents, and technology transfer, providing a granular and multidimensional perspective on STI evaluation. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses within each national system, ensuring a comprehensive comparative framework. By focusing on both qualitative and quantitative metrics, this methodology underscores the importance of aligning evaluation systems with global best practices while considering local contexts. Moreover, this approach integrates an interdisciplinary perspective, combining insights from science policy, economics, and innovation studies to enrich the comparative analysis.
Findings: The findings reveal significant differences in how STI evaluation indicators are prioritized and implemented across the three countries. In Iran, the focus is primarily on scientific productivity and human capital development, emphasizing national research outputs and workforce expansion. In contrast, Australia and New Zealand exhibit a broader emphasis on technology commercialization, venture capital investment, and international collaborations, reflecting their advanced innovation ecosystems and integration into the global market. Indicators were systematically classified into six overarching categories, with subcategories providing insights into R&D funding, innovative business environments, and knowledge transfer mechanisms. For example, the technology category includes patents, industrial designs, and trademarks, while the human capital category explores metrics related to researchers, students, and workforce development. The study uncovers shared practices and unique strategies within each country by employing thematic analysis. Iran’s STI evaluation framework demonstrates notable strengths in fostering national research initiatives but faces challenges in integrating these efforts with broader innovation policies. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand’s systems showcase a balanced approach, combining quantitative metrics with qualitative assessments to capture the full spectrum of STI activities. The contrast between the three countries underscores the influence of governance models, funding structures, and regional priorities in shaping STI evaluation outcomes. This comprehensive analysis underscores the contextual factors—such as economic priorities, governance structures, and cultural norms—that influence the design and effectiveness of STI evaluation systems.
Conclusion: This study contributes significantly to the field of STI evaluation by providing a detailed comparative analysis of three distinct national contexts. The findings highlight the importance of aligning evaluation frameworks with international standards while adapting to local needs and priorities. For policymakers, the study offers a roadmap to foster vibrant innovation ecosystems, enhance resource allocation, and strengthen global competitiveness. It emphasizes the need for flexible evaluation systems that can adapt to emerging technologies, shifting priorities, and new trends. Additionally, the research identifies gaps in existing systems, offering targeted strategies to enhance both the efficiency and impact of STI initiatives in diverse contexts. The thematic framework developed through this study provides a valuable tool for other countries seeking to assess and improve their STI evaluation systems. It emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between quantitative indicators, such as publication outputs and patents, and qualitative measures, such as collaboration quality. Ultimately, the ability to accurately evaluate and strategically enhance STI capabilities is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the global knowledge economy. This research offers practical insights for nations aiming to align their innovation policies with global standards while fostering sustainable development and long-term economic resilience. By offering a dynamic and adaptable evaluation framework, this study not only advances academic discourse in STI evaluation but also provides actionable guidance for practitioners and policymakers worldwide. The findings underscore the critical role of robust evaluation systems in driving innovation and ensuring that research efforts translate into meaningful societal and economic outcomes. This underscores the potential for scaling successful practices across regions while addressing unique challenges specific to each context. .