Journal of higher education curriculum studies

Journal of higher education curriculum studies

Designing a University Knowledge-Based Ecosystem Formation Model Based on Research-Oriented Curriculum: A Grounded Theory Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Management and Planning, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
2 PhD Student, Department of Educational Management and Planning, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
3 Professor, Department of Educational Management and Planning, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
4 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Management and Planning, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
10.22034/hecs.2026.508854.2004
Abstract
This study aimed to design a model for the formation of a university knowledge-based ecosystem grounded in a research-oriented curriculum. Employing a grounded theory approach, the research utilized semi-structured interviews with 16 experts in higher education and industry. The findings reveal that internationalization, government support policies, sustainable financial resources, and interdisciplinary collaboration constitute key causal conditions. The research-oriented curriculum emerges as the core phenomenon, encompassing four principal components: collaborative knowledge creation and dissemination, establishment of a research-based culture, global knowledge sharing, and collaboration with industry, government, and society. Contextual conditions include cultural-social factors, institutional dynamics, technological landscape changes, and university policies. Intervening conditions comprise bureaucracy and red tape, limited international collaboration, and researcher mobility. Strategies identified include cultivating research-oriented leaders, facilitating commercialization processes, supporting intellectual property rights, and fostering innovation. Consequences encompass institutional sustainability, scientific excellence and innovation, human capital development, interdisciplinary research advancement, and long-term sustainable development. The proposed conceptual model provides practical strategies for accelerating innovation, supporting intellectual property, and establishing effective infrastructure for knowledge-based ecosystem development
Keywords
Subjects

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