Analyzing the Antecedents and Consequences of Fourth-Generation University Development (Application of the Meta-Synthesis Approach)

Document Type : Scientific - Research

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

2 Ph.D. Student of Entrepreneurship, Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Sovial Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

3 Department of Public Administration, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

10.48308/mpes.2025.241002.1623

Abstract

Objective: In the present era, rapid technological developments, profound changes in labor market needs, and the necessity of responding to complex global challenges have confronted the higher education system with the fundamental question of how it can play its role as a driving force for economic, social, and cultural development. In the meantime, the fourth-generation university model has been proposed as an emerging paradigm, based on which universities move from their traditional position towards entrepreneurial, problem-oriented, and influential institutions in the innovation ecosystem. This transformation is not limited to technological changes, but also requires a transformation in the missions, structures, and methods of university interaction with industry, government, and society. The fourth generation university (social university) is a new model of higher education that, in addition to education, research, and entrepreneurship, focuses on social responsibility, regional and local development, and solving community problems. Also, Fourth-generation universities play a very important role in human life. With an entrepreneurial, opportunity-creating, creative, and innovative nature, these universities have taken a step far beyond their traditional roles and have become very effective elements in the sustainable development of societies. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to investigate and analyze the antecedents and consequences of the development of the fourth generation university and to present a model in this field.
Materials and Methods: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of data collection and analysis methods, and was conducted using a meta-synthesis approach. Accordingly, after searching in reliable databases and using relevant keywords, 135 initial articles were extracted from 2015 to 2025. After studying and evaluating the articles, 29 articles were selected that were most relevant to the research topic in terms of title, abstract, content, and quality. Then, using Sandelowski and Barroso's seven-step model, the findings of 29 articles were studied, integrated, and interpreted. Using content analysis and open coding, 138 codes and 21 concepts were identified in the antecedents domain and 82 codes and 16 concepts in the consequences domain. Also, 5 categories for antecedents (technological and digital infrastructure, management policy-making, interaction with industry and society, cultural and social policies, and innovation and entrepreneurship culture) and 4 categories for outcomes (increasing the competitiveness of the national economy, reducing the unemployment rate and creating new job opportunities, strengthening innovation and technology transfer, and increasing productivity and the knowledge-based economy) were discovered. To control the quality of the research data, the expert agreement index and expert review were used. Also, Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to measure reliability.
Discussion and Conclusion: Fourth-generation universities (4GUs)  have emerged as a more advanced model of first-generation (teaching-oriented), second-generation (research-oriented), and third-generation (entrepreneurial) universities. These universities are playing a new role in solving global challenges by utilizing digital technologies, innovation ecosystems, and social responsibility. Fourth-generation universities have created a fundamental transformation in higher education by combining technology, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. However, their success requires managing challenges such as educational equity and maintaining research quality. The future belongs to universities that can combine flexibility and innovation with academic values. Analyzing the antecedents and consequences of the development of the fourth generation university using the meta-synthesis method indicates a profound transformation in the role of universities in responding to the complex needs of the knowledge-based society and the digital economy. The findings of this study indicate that the transition from traditional universities to the fourth generation requires structural, cultural, and technological changes and has broad implications in the educational, research, and social fields. The antecedents of the development of the fourth generation university include the categories of technological and digital infrastructure, policy-making and management, interaction with industry and society, interaction with industry and society, cultural and social policies, innovation and entrepreneurship culture; and the consequences of the development of the fourth generation university include the categories of increasing the competitiveness of the national economy, reducing the unemployment rate and creating new job opportunities, strengthening innovation and technology transfer, increasing productivity, and the knowledge-based economy. Finally, practical suggestions based on the research findings were presented. To realize fourth-generation universities in Iran, it is essential to create advanced digital infrastructure. This includes the development of smart learning platforms with virtual and augmented reality capabilities, educational data analysis systems, and high-speed Internet networks. At the same time, new management policies must be developed that give universities more authority to design flexible curricula, create entrepreneurship units, and attract private sector investments. Effective interaction with industry is another key requirement, which is achieved through the creation of joint technology parks, the design of practical internships, and the formation of joint councils with leading companies.

Keywords

References

Abreu, M., & Grinevich, V. (2024). The entrepreneurial university: strategies, processes, and competing goals. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 49(6), 1991-2034. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10961-024-10085-7
Afkaneh, S. Jafari, p. Pasha Sharifi, H., & Ghorchian N. (2018). Provide a model for the promotion of serviceoriented in universities. Journal of New Approach in Educational Management, 9 (1), 127-152. doi: 128-152. 20.1001.1.20086369.1397.9.33.7.6[In Persian]
Ahmadian Chashemi, M., Niazazari, K., & Salehi, M. (2021). Designing the model of Fourth-generation University to Improve Education and Research Quality in Higher Education. Educational Development of Judishapur, 11(4), 901-911. https://doi.org/10.22118/edc.2020.241717.1477 [In Persian]
Akbari, R. , Alizadeh, A. & Rezaeian, F. (2023). Priorities of campus in the transition from first- and second-generation universities to third and fourth based on the Noel-Levitz satisfaction evaluation model. Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning, 28(3), 41-60. doi: 10.22059/jfaup.2024.359566.672876[In Persian]
Alipour, A., & Enayati, T. (2017). Commercialization of research in fourth generation universities, Quarterly Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies on Strategic Knowledge, 26(26), 53-76. https://smsnds.sndu.ac.ir/article_4.html[In Persian]
Arjmandi, R., Fathi, M. R., Manteghi, M. & Shahbazi, M. (2023). Providing a model of technological transition to the fourth generation of the industrial revolution in the automobile industry. Quarterly journal of Industrial Technology Development, 21(52), 80-96. doi: 10.22034/jtd.2022.1972025.1808[In Persian]
Azarkhah, K., & Rabani Khah, F. (2021). efective Dimensions and Components of the Promotion of the fourth generation University: Qualitative analysis viewpoint of higher education system’s experts. Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 23(91, 95-113. doi: 10.22047/ijee.2021.266909.1813[In Persian]
Bagheri, M. , Mobasheri, A. A. & Name Anna, S. S. (2023). Designing a competency model for an identity-builder faculty member from the perspective of the Supreme Leader. Strategic Studies of the Islamic Revolution, 1(2), 75-106. doi: 10.22034/irsj.2024.413478.1010[In Persian]
Benneworth, P., & Fitjar, R. D. (2019). Contextualizing the role of universities to regional development: Introduction to the special issue. Regional studies, Regional science, 6(1): 331-338. https://doi.org/10.1080/21681376.2019.1601593
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2008). Using thematic analysis in psychology, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3 (2), 77-101. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Cai, Y., & Ahmad, I. (2023). From an entrepreneurial university to a sustainable entrepreneurial university: Conceptualization and evidence in the contexts of European university reforms. Higher Education Policy, 36(1), 20-52. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41307-021-00243-z
Cerver Romero, E., Ferreira, J. J., & Fernandes, C. I. (2021). The multiple faces of the entrepreneurial university: A review of the prevailing theoretical approaches. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 46(4), 1173-1195. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10961-020-09815-4
Chen, H. & Tian, Z. (2022). Environmental uncertainty, resource orchestration and digital transformation: A fuzzy-set QCA approach. Journal of Business Research, 139, 184-193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.09.048
Clauss, T., Moussa, A. & Kesting, T. (2018). Entrepreneurial university: a stakeholder-based conceptualisation of the current state and an agenda for future research. 77(1-3) 109-144. DOI:10.1504/IJTM.2018.091726
Darvand S, galawandi H, & hasani M. (2024). Designing a Quality Assurance Model based on the Approach of Fourth Generation Uuniversities: A Case study in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. SJKU; 29 (3) :139-149. URL: http://sjku.muk.ac.ir/article-1-7846-fa.html[In Persian]
Deryabina, G., & Trubnikova, N. (2021). The Impact of Digital Transformation in Automotive Industry on Changing Industry Business Model. DEFIN. 45, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1145/3487757.3490886[In Persian]
Ebadi, K. , Abbaszadeh, M. & Samadi, M. (2022). Study of the underlying strategies for the realization of the fourth generation university: A qualitative scan. (e249032). Cultural Studies & Communication, (Articles in Press), e249032. doi: 10.22034/jcsc.2021.527679.2375[In Persian]
Eidi, N., Nourian, M., & Moghadasi, J. (2023). The Synthesis of the Components of the Fourth-Generation University. Journal of New Approaches in Educational Administration, 13(6), 155-170. doi: 10.30495/jedu.2023.25535.5093[In Persian]
Etzkowitz, H. (2013). Anatomy of the entrepreneurial university. Social Science Information, 52(3) 486–511. https://doi.org/10.1177/0539018413485832
Feliciano-Cestero, M. M., Ameen, N., Kotabe, M., Paul, J., & Signoret, M. (2023). Is digital transformation threatened? A systematic literature review of the factors influencing firms’ digital transformation and internationalization. Journal of Business Research, 157, 113546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113546
Flores, M. C., Grimaldi, R., Poli, S., & Villani, E. (2024). Entrepreneurial universities and intrapreneurship: A process model on the emergence of an intrapreneurial university. Technovation, 129, 102906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102906
Foss, N. J., & Michailova, S. (Eds.). (2009). Knowledge governance: Processes and perspectives. Oxford University Press. DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199235926.001.0001
Garretsen, H., Van De Goor, I., & Van de Mheen, D. (2023). Dutch experiences in new partnerships between science and practice in health promotion: toward a fourth-generation university. Health Promotion International, 38(4), daab194. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daab194
Granstrand, O., & Holgersson, M. (2020). Innovation ecosystems: A conceptual review and a new definition. *Technovation, 90-91*, 102098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2019.102098
Gwet, K. L. (2014). Handbook of inter-rater reliability: The definitive guide to measuring the extent of agreement among raters; [a handbook for researchers, practitioners, teachers & students], Gaithersburg, MD: STATAXIS Publishing Company, p. 57.
Guerrero, M., Fayolle, A., Di Guardo, M. C., Lamine, W., & Mian, S. (2024). Re-viewing the entrepreneurial university: strategic challenges and theory building opportunities. Small Business Economics, 63(2), 527-548. DOI:10.1007/s11187-023-00858-z
Harandi, A. , Parhizgar, M. M. , Fazel, A. & Amini, M. (2023). Strategic Model of Value Co-Creation of University with Emphasis on Fourth and Fifth Generation Universities. Public Management Researches, 16(59), 137-166. doi: 10.22111/jmr.2022.38272.5474[In Persian]
Hassanzadeh, M., Delafrooz, N., Gholipour Soleimani, A., Shahroudi, K. (2021). Designing a Value Co-Creation Model for the Medical Tourism Industry in Guilan Province. Journal of Studies of Human Settlements Planning, 16(2), 309-323. Doi: 20.1001.1.25385968.1400.16.2.7.2[In Persian]
Henry, C., & Lahikainen, K. (2024). Exploring intrapreneurial activities in the context of the entrepreneurial university: An analysis of five EU HEIs. Technovation, 129, 102893. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102893
Pavlova, I. A. (2020). Revisiting functions and roles of the entrepreneurial university in social and economic systems in the regional context. IGI Global Scientific Publishing; IGI Global, 157 – 171.  DOI:10.4018/978-1-7998-0174-0.ch008
Javashi Jadid, S., Taherikia, F., Jalali, S., & Tabrizian, B. (2020). Introducing a Model of Value Co-Creation with Customers in the Tourism Industry. Innovation Management in Defense Organizations, 3(1), 119-146. Doi:10.22034/qjimdo.2020.210870.1242[In Persian]
Jonkers, K., Tijssen, R. J. W., Karvounaraki, A., & Goenaga, X. (2018). A regional innovation impact assessment framework for universities. JRC Duscussion Paper. Joint Research Center, Brussels, 44. Doi: 10.2760/623825
Kahrazahi, M., Arefi, M., & Khorasani, A. (2025). Studying Faculty Members' Perspectives on the Current Status of Indicators in Education and Research for the Fourth Generation University in Iranian Higher Education. Quarterly Journal of Research and Planning in Higher Education, e726230. Doi: 10.22034/irphe.2025.2048366.1250 [In Persian]
Khin, S.; Kee, D. (2022). Factors influencing Industry 4.0 adoption, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), 2022. DOI:10.1108/JMTM-03-2021-0111
Khoshnejad, Z., Salimi, M., Jahanian, R. & Abdollahi, M. (2023). Identifying and Determining the Relationships between the Pillars and Components of the Fourth Generation University in the Islamic Azad University. Sociology of Education, 8(2), 221-232. doi: 10.22034/ijes.2022.562042.1351[In Persian]
Khoshnejad, Z. , Salimi, M., Jahanian, R. & Abdollahi, M. (2022). Presenting the Fourth Generation University Model (Case Study: Islamic Azad University). Educational Development of Judishapur, 13(1), 193-206. doi: 10.22118/edc.2022.317210.1951[In Persian]
Khoshtinat, M. A., Jafari Nejad, M. & Azin, A. (2024). Comparative Studing social Attitudes of the Fourth Generation to the First Generation of Islamic Revolution of Iran(Case Study: Students From Tehran State' s Universities). Political belief studies, 2(1), 3, 110-128. doi: 10.22034/saas.2024.211769[In Persian]
Kiraz, A.; Canpolat, O.; Özkurt, C.; & Taşkın, H. (2020). Analysis of the factors affecting the Industry 4.0 tendency with the structural equation model and an application, Computers & Industrial Engineering. 150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2020.106911
Lukovics, M., & Zuti, B. (2015). New functions of universities in century XXI towards “fourth generation” universities. Journal Transition Studies Review, 22(2), 33-48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14665/1614-4007-22-2-003
Lukovics, M., & Zuti, B. (2017). Successful universities towards the improvement of regional competitiveness:‘fourth generation’universities. European Regional Science Association (ERSA) 53th Congress, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3022717 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3022717.  
Marvinam, M. R. , Tanhaei, A. & Rahimi, A. (2024). Identifying the Pillars and Drivers Influencing the Development of Fourth-Generation Universities; (A Case Study: Shahid Sattari Air University of Science and Technology). Journal of Human Resource Management, 14(4), 114-138. doi: 10.22034/jhrs.2024.463612.2253[In Persian]
Marvinam, M., Tanhaie, A., & Rahimi, A. (2025). Identifying Challenges and Solutions for Developing Fourth-Generation Universities with an emphasis on E-Learning in Shahid Sattari Aeronautical University of Science and Technology. Innovation Management in Defensive Organizations, 7(4), 101-128. Doi:10.22034/qjimdo.2024.462812.1690[In Persian].
Mirsalehi, Y. Zamani, H., & Mahani, M. (2018). Review and comparison of the quality of educational services and the quality of teaching in educational centers. Letter of Higher Education, 11 (43), 131-159. https://journal.sanjesh.org/article_32042.html?lang=en[In Persian]
Mobasheri, A. A. , Nasr Isfahani, A. and Teimouri, H. (2024). The Model of Disengagement of Talent with Meta-synthesis Method. Journal of Public Administration, 16(4), 807-824. doi: 10.22059/jipa.2024.376408.3504
Mobasheri, A. A. and Teimouri, H. (2023). Designing a Pattern of the Causes and Consequences of Mobbing in Organizations. Strategic Research on Social Problems, 12(1), 123-145. doi: 10.22108/srspi.2023.135792.1862[In Persian]
Mozaffari Mehr, M., & Taghavi Fard, M. (2024). Design and modeling of digital transformation based on the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the automotive industry, Industrial Management, 16(1), 148-174.doi:  10.22059/imj.2024.373674.1008135[In Persian]
Murad, M., Othman, S. B., & Kamarudin, M. A. I. B. (2024). Entrepreneurial university support and entrepreneurial career: the directions for university policy to influence students’ entrepreneurial intention and behavior. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, 13(3), 441-467. DOI: 10.1108/JEPP-08-2023-0082
Noori, F., Shariatmadari, M., & Abbasi, L. (2022). Presentation of the Native Model of 4th Generation of Entrepreneurship University of Tehran Azad University. Journal of New Approaches in Educational Administration, 12(6), 195-181. doi: 10.30495/jedu.2022.24768.4944[In Persian]
Pawłowski, K. (2009). The ‘fourth generation university’as a creator of the local and regional development. Higher Education in Europe, 34(1), 51-64. https://doi.org/10.1080/03797720902747017
Politis, D., Aaboen, L., Eide, A. E., & Haneberg, D. H. (2024). Re-viewing entrepreneurial universities through alumni engagement. Small Business Economics, 63(2), 655-671. DOI:10.1007/s11187-023-00863-2
Rådberg, K. K., & Löfsten, H. (2024). The entrepreneurial university and development of large-scale research infrastructure: Exploring the emerging university function of collaboration and leadership. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 49(1), 334-366. DOI: 10.1007/s10961-023-10033-x
Rezaian fardoi, S. , hourali, M. & behroozi, B. (2023). Assessing the status of Payame Noor University of tehran in becoming the fourth generation of universities using fuzzy ANP technique. Socio-Cultural Strategy, 12(1), 1-30. doi: 10.22034/scs.2022.154828[In Persian]
Salehzadeh, R., Teimouri, H., & Mobasheri, A. A. (2025). Identifying a model for workplace ostracism of faculty members. Public Organizations Management, 13(2), 47-66. https://www.magiran.com/p2850798[In Persian]
Sandelowski, M. & Barroso, J. (2007). Handbook for synthesizing qualitative research. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 2007. [Online]. Available: https://www.springerpub.com/handbook-for-synthesizing-mpqualitative-research-9780826156945.html
Seifi, E. , ahmadi, A. & moazzami, M. (2024). Identifying the dimensions and components of the application of new technologies in the fourth generation university. Management and Educational Perspective, 5(4), 24-51. doi: 10.22034/jmep.2024.426783.1282[In Persian]
Sergey. S., Zmiyakaterina. A., & Ugnich Pavel. M. (2020). Development of a regional Innovation ecosystem: The role of a pillar university, growth poles of the global economy: emergence, changes and future perspectives, 567-576. DOI:10.1007/978-3-030-15160-7_57[In Persian]
Shahrestani, M., Vahidi, H. & Alipur pijani, A. (2024). IDENTIFICATION AND RANKING OF DRIVERS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FOURTH GENERATION EDUCATION SYSTEM. Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 26(102), 21-42. doi: 10.22047/ijee.2024.456763.2080[In Persian]
Shokrollahi, M., Davoudi, R., & Kamali, N. (2021). An analysis of the driver factors of universities on social responsibility: An approach to achieving fourth generation universities' mission. Journal of New Approaches in Educational Administration, 12(3), 16-32. Doi:10.30495/jedu.2021.4537[In Persian]
Taghdisi mirak, H., Sattari, S., Soleimani, T. & Rastgo, A. (2024). Presenting the model of professional development of lecturers of the University of Applied Science with the approach of the Fourth Generation University. Applied Educational Leadership, 5(3), 140-162. doi: 10.22098/ael.2024.15901.1481[In Persian]
Xu, X., Lu, Y., Vogel-Heuser, B., & Wang, L. (2021). Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0—Inception, conception and perception. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 61, 530-535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2021.10.006
Yadollahi Dehcheshmeh, A., Rajaipour, S. & Siadat, S. A. (2021). An Analysis of The role of Fourth Generation University (social university) in Regional Development. The Journal of Community Development (Rural-Urban), 13(1), 1-35. doi: 10.22059/jrd.2021.320183.668637[In Persian]
Yadollahi Dehcheshmeh, A., Rajaipour, S. & Siadat, A. (2021). Developing a fourth generation model for Iranian universities. Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, 13(4), 31-57. doi: 10.22035/isih.2021.375[In Persian]
Zamanian, E., Yusefzadeh Chosari, M. R., & Khakbaz, A. S. (2023). Presenting a curriculum model to fulfill the mission of the fourth-generation university in the Iranian-Islamic style. Higher Education Curriculum Studies, 4(28), 297–324. Doi: 10.22034/hecs.2024.384542.1834[In Persian]
Zand, S., Omran, S., & Karamkhani, Z. (2024). Systematic Review of Five Spiral Model for Fifth Generation University. Journal of Science and Technology Policy, 17(1), 39-52. Doi:10.22034/jstp.2024
Zimmer, L. (2006). Qualitative meta‐synthesis: a question of dialoguing with texts. Journal of advanced nursing, 53(3), 311-318. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.03721.x 
Journal of Management and Planning In Educational System
Volume 18, Issue 2 - Serial Number 35
September 2025
Pages 261-294

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics