The role of STI governance in increasing the efficiency of the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park with an emphasis on its internationalization

Abstract

The governance of science, technology, and innovation (STI) is increasingly recognized as a key driver for international collaboration and competitiveness. To ensure effective STI governance, it is essential to understand internationalization parameters, their impact, and the strategic frameworks that enable them. This study investigates the role of STI governance in shaping the internationalization process at the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park (UTSTP). It explores critical factors such as organizational knowledge of global markets, UTSTP’s strategic positioning within international STI networks, systematic communication mechanisms, and governance strategies that influence both the development of international relations and the competitiveness of resident companies. Drawing on a SWOT matrix analysis and expert panel evaluations, the study identifies internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats that inform UTSTP’s internationalization strategies. Two distinct pathways emerge: characterized by formal, state-aligned processes, as Current Path and the Proposed Path, which promote a more adaptive and experimental governance model grounded in dynamic strategy and inter-organizational diplomacy. The research contributes to STI governance literature by highlighting the importance of flexible, knowledge-based strategies for international engagement, especially in innovation ecosystems in emerging markets. Practical recommendations are offered for policymakers and managers, emphasizing the need for regulatory agility and capacity-building mechanisms.