Comprehensive evaluation of Iranian regional innovation system (RIS) performance using analytic hierarchy process (AHP)

Purpose: This study aims to to provide a model based on the context and conditions of the regions in Iran for monitoring regional innovation systems (RISs). Design/methodology/approach: In the first stage, after reviewing the literature, interviewing the experts, and then thematic analyzing the content of the obtained data, initial Dimensions and indicators were identified. Then, a fuzzy Delphi technique and a seven-scale questionnaire were used to test the results and expert opinion. Finally, after the extraction and correction of the indicators to evaluate the RISs, a comprehensive model was identified in 5 dimensions, 16 indicators and 176 sub-indicators. In the next step, the importance weights of the main 16 indicators were determined using the analytic hierarchy process method. Findings: The proposed RIS assessment model consists of firms’ behavior and regional interactions, economy, human capital, innovative outputs, locational features, that each dimension has its own indicators and sub-indicators, each one is discussed in the paper. Originality/value: The research contribution is that the proposed RIS model of this research is the first model that is appropriate to the context of Iran.