Developing a comprehensive framework for analyzing national scientific and technical information policy: application of HeLICAM in Iran
ISSN: 1468-4527
Article publication date: 29 April 2021
Issue publication date: 19 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Strengthening and improving Scientific and Technical Information (S&Ti) flow in all nations require an effective national S&Ti policy (NS&TiP). The very first step in developing an integrated NS&TiP is clarifying its scope and dimensions. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the dimensions of NS&TiP, in the form of an analytical framework, and to show how to apply it.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study adopted a qualitative method, called the framework approach, and proposed HeLICAM, a comprehensive framework including different dimensions for NS&TiP. Afterward, Iran's science and technology documents were analyzed based on the proposed framework.
Findings
HeLICAM framework includes (1) human resources, (2) laws and regulations, (3) ICT infrastructure, (4) connections, (5) activities and (6) information market. The results obtained from the application of HeLICAM in the analysis of Iran's science and technology policy documents indicated that the various dimensions of NS&TiP have mostly been overlooked. Although several policies have been developed for science and technology in Iran, the efforts have not been comprehensive and effective enough.
Originality/value
This study proposes the normative analytical framework called HeLICAM. The purpose of HeLICAM is to provide a draft of NS&TiP dimensions to policymakers that will be useful in NS&Ti policymaking because this framework helps to answer questions like “what dimensions have been considered in writing the policy document?” and “What it lacks?”, “What are its strengths and weaknesses?”, and “How can it be improved?”
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-11-2020-0493
Keywords
Citation
Namdarian, L., Alidousti, S. and Rasuli, B. (2021), "Developing a comprehensive framework for analyzing national scientific and technical information policy: application of HeLICAM in Iran", Online Information Review, Vol. 45 No. 7, pp. 1381-1403. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-11-2020-0493
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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