Designing a Framework for Ranking Iranian Universities and Higher Education Institutions

Determining the criteria and indicators based on which Iranian universities are evaluated is essential in university ranking systems. This study aims to identify criteria and indicators appropriate to Iranian universities and to develop a local framework for ranking Iranian universities and higher education institutions. This study was carried out using the fuzzy Delphi technique in six stages: the first stage was to identify the existing rankings, the second stage was to extract criteria and indicators, the third stage was to adjust the indicators based on frequency, and the fourth stage was to use the fuzzy Delphi technique to obtain expert panel opinions, the fifth step is to use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for weighting and ranking indicators, and the sixth step is to present a schematic view of the framework obtained. According to findings, 145 studied rankings, 17 criteria, and 2709 indicators were identified. After removing the overlaps and homogenizing the indicators, 17 criteria and 180 indicators were selected to enter the study checklist. Finally, based on the fuzzy Delphi technique and AHP results, the appropriate ranking framework for Iranian universities, which includes 11 criteria and 94 indicators, was developed. The presented framework is designed according to the needs of Iranian universities to produce science and knowledge, create innovation and entrepreneurship, and produce technological products.