Modeling the characteristics of collaborative science and technology policy network

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite the growing trend of networking approaches in policymaking, the concept of collaborative policy networks (CPNs) and, in particular, the identification of their characteristics, remain a serious research vacuum. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to provide a model for identifying the characteristics of CPNs. For this purpose, the science and technology policy network in Iran was studied on a case-by-case basis. In this study, the theoretical framework of research was formulated as a sequential exploratory mixed design by first using literature review, policy documents analysis and in-depth interviews with 20 experts. Then, a survey was conducted by distributing a questionnaire among 100 science and technology policy experts and scholars in Iran. Data analysis was performed through confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation analysis method and, subsequently, the final research model was developed. The final model of CPNs consists of 17 characteristics in four dimensions of ‘actors’, ‘relationships among actors’, ‘structure’ and ‘the rules of conduct between actors’. Thus, the presence of such characteristics in the policy networks can lead to increased participation of actors and, of course, the effectiveness of policies.