An analysis of the industry–government–university relationships in Iranʹs power sector: A benchmarking approach

R&D plays an essential role in national economic growth. It is often argued that competitive advantage is achieved by the way in which research is managed and results are utilized in a national system of innovation. Based on technological innovation systems theory, this analysis uses benchmarking methodology to describe a mechanism for establishing beneficial relationships between universities and industry in Iranʹs power sector. The results provide insight for practitioners to better organize and manage research activities in Iranʹs power sector. Results illuminate the fact that there is a considerable gap in relationships between universities and the power industry in Iran which could be filled with non-profit R&D management and technology development organizations. Finally, the results are generalized so that they could be applied to other industries in developing countries using technology innovation systems theory.