Designing the Model of Influential Factors to Transform Mashhad University of Medical Sciences into a Third Generation University Using a Qualitative Approach

Background: Experts and scholars of higher education believe that entrepreneurship is the condition for the survival and development of universities. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to recognize the influential factors and design a model in order to transform Mashhad University of Medical Sciences into a third generation university. Methods: This is an applied developmental research, conducted by Delphi method in the second semester of 2018-2019. Thirty scholars were selected via purpose-based sampling including faculty members, managers and experts of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Firstly, the factors and components related to the third generation university were extracted via the review of databases and research background. Henceforth, several sessions were held in three phases and the factors and components were developed based on consensus. Results: finally, the appropriate model for the modification of Mashhad Medical University to a third generation university was finalized and 7 factors and 25 components were recognized. The factors included: the development of appropriate organizational strategies and guidelines, creation of contexts and structural conditions in the organization, the focus and attention of management and human resources to entrepreneurship, reformation of the education and research system with the emphasis on entrepreneurship, more interaction with the external environment and internationalization, enhancement of infrastructures, equipment and financial resources, application of cultural and ideological values on the path of change. In accordance with the statistics based on Kendall’s coefficient, for the recognized factors to transform Mashhad University of Medical Sciences to a Third Generation University, the result was equal to 0.79 in the second phase of Delphi technique, and was 0.86 in the third phase. The findings represent strong unanimity of panel members about the factors of the conceptual model of the research.  Conclusion: according to the results of three phases of Delphi technique, the seven influential factors were recognized that have impact on the modification of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences to a Third Generation University. Via the explanation and identification of the present status, effective steps could be conducted for the modification of this great university to a Third Generation University and the results could be used in other medical universities of the country.