A Framework for Identifying Effective Drivers on the Future of Revenue Sources of Universities in Iran

Purpose: Universities and higher education institutions have moved towards diversifying their sources of income due to declining government budgets, economic pressures, intense competition, declining demand for graduate education, and international financial crises. Therefore, the present study seeks to identify the most important drivers of the future of universities' revenue sources. Method: The present study is applied in terms of orientation and its methodology is quantitative multiple. The theoretical population of the research is the planning and programming managers of the major universities in the country and experts in the field of education financing. The sampling method was judgmental according to the skill of experts in the field of higher education financing. The sample size in this study was 10 people. Research drivers were obtained through a literature review and interviews with experts. Then, two questionnaires of expert evaluation and effectiveness evaluation were used to screen and analyze the effectiveness of the drivers. These questionnaires were analyzed by two techniques of fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy Dematel. Findings: 25 drivers were obtained through a literature review and interviews with experts. Among the factors of the study, 10 drivers had a defuzzy value greater than 0.6 and were selected for final analysis. The effectiveness of the remaining drivers was evaluated with fuzzy Dematel. According to the net effect index, the drivers of sanctions and external restrictions, the economic conditions of the society, the nature of the relationship between universities and industries and businesses in the society, and the policies of the Ministry of Science regarding student admission had the most impact. Conclusion: The practical suggestions of the research were presented according to the most effective drivers. In this regard, suggestions such as the resilience of universities, attention of universities to the production of wealth in society, directing graduate theses and research towards problem-oriented and attracting students based on the needs of industry and market, land use planning, and local requirements were presented.