University Business Model Framework

The purpose of this study is to provide a framework for the university business model as a solution for universities to cooperate with businesses. The method of the present study is a qualitative case study and the research method of document analysis, focal groups have been used to collect data. In the documentation section, 60 documents related to academic business models were selected and analyzed. Also, in the focus groups section, 5 business and university experts were selected by criterion sampling method. In order to analyze the data, the most important techniques of reading texts and studying sources including classification and conceptual tables and data reduction were used. In order to validate the findings, the researcher's self-review criteria were used during the data collection and analysis process, as well as the development and rich description of the data to ensure portability. The results of the analysis of business models showed that universities can review and revise their main functions in order to be socially and economically effective in society in the form of business models. Also, the results of developing the academic business model framework showed that the cooperation between universities and businesses can be divided into five levels, including; “Defined process”, “Factors”, “Environment”, “Action” and “Stakeholders”. In general, universities that seek social and economic effectiveness in society can adopt the framework as well as the context and implementation of the business framework and measures recommended in this research.