Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 M.A, Educational Research, Division of Research and Assessment, Department of Methods, Educational Planning and Curriculum, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Division of Research and Assessment, Department of Methods, Educational Planning and Curriculum, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Full Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Methods and Programs, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4 Associate Professor, Department of Policy and Public Affairs, Faculty of Public Administration and Organizational Sciences, School of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The Iranian higher education system, like many university systems around the world, is facing the need to redesign its structures, missions, and functions in the face of rapid economic, technological, social, and environmental changes. The present study aims to identify the key drivers of change in Iranian higher education, using the qualitative method of "metasynthesis" and analyzing 42 credible studies and two reference sources, to systematically extract and analyze the forces affecting the future of this system. The findings show that the drivers can be categorized into nine main dimensions, including educational-research, structural, economic, social, cultural, political, technological, demographic, and environmental changes. Among them, educational-research (with a share of 32%) and structural (22%) changes play the dominant role in guiding the future. Drivers such as the digitalization of educational processes, the emergence of a new generation of students (Generation Z), the expansion of lifelong learning, the internationalization of universities, links with industry, and a review of university governance are at the center of these developments. Also, the research focus particularly emphasizes the importance of developing applied and interdisciplinary research, commercializing scientific results, forming research networks, and moving towards world-class research in compliance with international standards. Future universities need to redefine their role as global knowledge production institutions, developers of innovation, and active players in the field of international scientific competition. By providing a comprehensive picture of the drivers of change, this study draws new horizons for policymaking, strategic planning, and forward-looking management of the Iranian higher education system
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