Journal of Research in Educational Systems
Scientific Journal

Comparative Analysis of Higher Education Transformation in Iran: Explaining the Instrumental Development Model and Signs of Transition toward Strategic Development during the Pahlavi and Islamic Republic Eras*

Articles in Press

Author

mohsen sadeghi

Governor of Zanjan Province

10.22034/jiera.2026.253523
Abstract
Purpose: This study comparatively analyzes transformations in Iranian higher education across the Pahlavi and Islamic Republic eras, charting its evolution from an instrumental to a strategic development framework.
Method: Employing a comparative-analytical approach with documentary-archival methodology, data were synthesized from official documents, legislative acts, and national reports concerning governance, student enrollment, and scientific output. Analysis integrated historical-institutional comparison with qualitative content analysis.
Findings: Results indicate that while Pahlavi-era higher education prioritized instrumental goals—supplying administrative and technical manpower for the modern state—the Islamic Republic era is defined by quantitative expansion, institutional diversification, and substantial growth in postgraduate education and scientific output. This reflects a strategic reorientation toward endogenous knowledge production and social equity, though critical challenges remain regarding quality enhancement and qualitative disparities.
Conclusion: Iranian higher education is transitioning toward a strategic model characterized by structural diversification and expanded research infrastructure. However, empirical evidence suggests an ongoing institutional evolution rather than a fully consolidated paradigm shift. Consolidating this transition requires enhancing educational quality, reconfiguring institutional functions, and systematically aligning academic outputs with societal and industrial requirements.

Keywords

Iranian Higher Education
Comparative Analysis
Instrumental Development
Strategic Development
Journal of Research in Educational Systems

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 September 2026

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