Designing a Pattern of Relationship between the Functions of the Intermediary Institutions of Open Innovation in Health System

Abstract

Background. The health system generally comprises a variety of players. In the health system, there are intermediary institutions of innovation, playing a key role in reducing the distance between the members of the network and building trust among them. Therefore, this study aimed at developing pattern of relationship between the function of the intermediary institutions of open innovation in the health system. Methods. This study was conducted in two main phases. The first phase was carried out to identify and approve the principal components of the function of the intermediary institutions in the health. The data were collected based on the researcher-made questionnaire in accordance with the existing research literature. It was distributed among 140 managers and experts of the research and quality improvement divisions of the clinical centers, laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies. The data were analyzed, using confirmatory factor analysis. In the second phase, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was employed to design the pattern of relationship. Experts’ view of 12 members were used for designing the pattern. Interpretive structural modeling was used for developing various parts of the questionnaire. Results. The findings of the confirmatory factor analysis are an indication of the proper relationship between the principal components and the respective indicators. Accordingly, all principal components of the pattern of the functions of the intermediary institutions were confirmed in the statistical population of the research. Based on the interpretive structural modeling, the findings revealed that two components, i.e. organizing and supplying resources and strengthening the network and participation, were the two main and most effective functions of the intermediary institutions. The component of commercialization was the most susceptible function of the intermediary institutions and ranked first in this regard. Conclusion. The intermediary institutions can reduce the deficits in each stage of the process of innovation in the field of health according to their various functions, serving as an accelerator increasing the knowledge and innovation in the field of health.