Designing a model for analyzing the development of regional universities by using Interpretative-Structural Modeling Approach

Today, causal relationships between universities and regions indicate that if there is synergy between the university system and the regional system, both sides will benefit from the value added. The purpose of this study was to present a suitable and efficient model for analyzing the development of university-region relations. In this study, mixed-exploratory research design method was used. In the qualitative part, the content analysis method was used by interviewing 15 informants. In the quantitative part, the structural-interpretive modeling (ISM) approach was used. Since this approach is based on expert opinion, the opinions of 29 experts in the field of academia and region were used. The results led to the classification of factors affecting the development of university-region relationships and the design of a model for these factors. The results of this research lead to the rating of the factors affecting the development of university-region relations and designing a model based in these factors. The findings also showed that sustainable and research-based development, university-region relationship, and strategic and development-oriented management are the most important factors in development of the university – region interactive development.