Integrating information and communication technologies in the Iranian agricultural research system

Iranian agricultural research system needs institutional supporting based on designing and implementing strengthening mechanisms. Systemically, integrating the information and communication technologies in agricultural research system of Iran seems as an appropriate strengthening mechanism. However, appropriate application of information and communication technologies and related systems such as national agricultural research information system require systemic and strategic planning based on identification and recognition of associated system-wide organizational implications. Regarding to this comment, this paper explains the implications of integrating information and communication technologies in the Iranian agricultural research system. To this aim, a survey research used based on qualitative interviewing with a selected sample, consisted of agricultural researchers and agricultural faculty members. After designing interview protocol and gathering information by interviewing with selected sample, conceptual analyzing procedure used in order to prepare and present useful mechanisms related to integrating information and communication technologies in the Iranian agricultural research system. Findings of research explained some guidelines, expected outcomes, challenges and barriers of institutionalized integration of ICTs in the Iranian agricultural research system. Also, phases of integrating ICTs in the Iranian agricultural research system were mapped in form of a process diagram.