Scientific Periodicals in Iran: A Systems Approach

Scientific periodicals fulfill a significant role in the communication, exchange, and sharing of scientific findings. In recent years, the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (MSRT) has concentrated on non-medical, scientific periodicals. The present paper offers a short history of scientific periodicals and their role in Iran. The authors further examine the current status in the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology by using a systems approach. Scientific periodicals in Iran involve four external entities and six major subsystems, including resources, format, content, publication, refereeing, and structure. Investigation of the current failings of the periodicals in the MSRT reveals that the main orientation of the system does not facilitate scientific communication, ease of starting new periodicals, and promotion of natural development of these periodicals. The authors suggest ways to improve the status of scholarly periodicals in Iran.