Requirements for Third Generation University: A Conceptual Review of Iranian Studies

Introduction: For more than a decade, Iranian researchers have been concerned about the third- generation university and have conducted various studies in this field. Collecting and analyzing the ideas presented in these studies may pave the way for finding a path for transformation into third-generation university. This study tries to introduce the requirements of moving Iranian universities towards the third generation university by reviewing reliable articles. Methods: This study formed on the conceptual review method using the framework introduced by Arksey and O'Malley in eight steps. All original articles of the last three years (2017-2019) in journals with scientific-research index were extracted from the database for information of national publication and the database of the Scientific Information Center for education, culture and research. By considering the exclusion criteria, 12 articles remained in this study. Result: Conceptual review of articles, separation and recombination of components led to the formation of 9 intra-university requirements divided into: intermediate requirements (entrepreneurship culture and development), basic requirements (vision, mission, goals and strategy, and management and leadership), and providing platform and support (entrepreneurial policy-making, and university development). Conclusion: It appears that the proposed model in this study is suitable for starting to move towards university entrepreneurship and taking the first steps. Of course, depending on the growth rate of entrepreneurship in each university, intense studies of these requirements may be necessary.