A Framework for the Development of Scientific Diplomacy in the Islamic Republic of Iran: the Perspectives of Experts, Officials of Scientific Organizations and Diplomats

Aim: the aim of this study is to provide a systematic and paradigmatic model of the development of scientific diplomacy based on interviews with experts and officials involved in the field of science and technology and diplomacy. Methodology: this study is based on a management strategy with a grounded and autonomous approach to scientific diplomacy and follows the model of development paradigm. To this end, 17 professors, experts and professionals in the field of scientific diplomacy were identified and interviewed. Then, by using data processing concepts, categories of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 and a paradigmatic model were extracted. Findings: by using a grounded approach, different stages of the categories identified in relation to the relevant issues, therefore, the categories of ultimate cause, essential causes, efficient cause, conditions, obstacles, capabilities, inductors and outputs were classified. Results: given the motives resulted from ultimate causes and exigencies related to the essential causes, the development of scientific diplomacy is considered a critical issue by the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran by taking conditions, obstacles and capabilities to depict appropriate inductors. Finally, outputs are indicated as the practical and objective results of the development of scientific diplomacy