Knowledge Translation in Academic Research: A Case Study of Iranian Universities; [ترجمان دانش در پژوهش های آکادمیک:مطالعه موردی دانشگاه های ایران] Publisher



Dakhesh S ; Khademizadeh S ; Zareivenovel M ; Khezri R
Source: Iranian Journal of Information Processing and Management Published:2026

Abstract

With the world's shift toward a knowledge-based economy, knowledge and its management have become vital factors in maintaining the competitive strength of organizations and industries. In this regard, examining the process of knowledge translation in universities and industries is of particular importance. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to assess the state of knowledge translation among researchers at Iranian universities (Shahid Chamran of Ahvaz, Lorestan, Hormozgan, and Persian Gulf University of Bushehr). This study is categorized as a survey research type and is applied in nature. The research population consisted of 285 faculty members from the engineering faculties of four universities: Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Persian Gulf University of Bushehr, Lorestan University, and Hormozgan University. Data were collected using the Self-Assessment Questionnaire on Knowledge Translation Activities of University Researchers, which consists of 30 items organized into four domains: Research Question, Knowledge Creation, Knowledge Transfer, and Promotion of Using Evidence. In addition to descriptive statistics, the data analysis for this study utilized ANOVA tests and regression analysis. The results showed that the mean total score of the knowledge translation process at Persian Gulf Universities-Bushehr (99.97 ± 19.93) and Lorestan (99.80 ± 15.30)-was higher than at Hormozgan University (93.94 ± 21.49) and Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (93.55 ± 21.76). Among the examined components, the highest mean belonged to the element Knowledge Transfer, and the lowest mean related to Promotion of Using Evidence. Additionally, it was found that all components of the knowledge translation process significantly contributed to explaining and predicting researchers' performance (p < 0.001), and the standardized coefficients (Beta) indicate that the knowledge transfer component had the greatest effect on knowledge translation performance with a coefficient of 0.95, followed by knowledge creation (0.90), promotion of using evidence (0.86), and research question (0.85). The results of this study indicate that establishing systematic links between universities and stakeholders can enhance the effectiveness of knowledge translation and help improve evidence-based decision-making at the national level. It is recommended that future researches focus on knowledge translation within executive organizations and industries, using tools localized for the organizational dimension. © 2026 Iranian Research Institute for Scientific Information and Documentation. All rights reserved.