A Framework for Determining the Optimal Number of Centers of Excellence in a Country’s Research and Innovation System

Articles in Press

Document Type : علمی - پژوهشی

Author

National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP)

Abstract

Centers of excellence are a funding mechanism in science and technology whereby substantial resources are concentrated in a limited number of high-performing research groups, with the expectation of generating significant (scientific, technological, or problem-solving) achievements at the international level. Despite their widespread adoption, relatively little attention has been paid to the criteria for determining how many centers of excellence a country should establish. This article first examines the concept of excellence and its uses in order to derive two general principles for determining the appropriate number of centers of excellence: the selection process for centers of excellence among applications needs to be highly selective; and the number of applications accepted should be established in a way that ensures that each center receives enough financial support for its activities. It then analyzes financial data from excellence programs in three selected countries and compares them with Iran, assessing whether and to what extent these principles are reflected in current funding practices.

Keywords

Methodology of Social Sciences and Humanities

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 June 2026

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