Modeling the Improvement of the Technology Transfer Process in Iran's Petro-Refining Industry Using a System Dynamics Approach
Keywords:
System dynamics, technology transfer, petro-refineryAbstract
The main objective of this research is to model the technology transfer process in Iran's petro-refining industry using the system dynamics method in order to improve this process. This analysis assists decision-makers in identifying critical success factors and designing optimization strategies for the technology transfer process. Following the system dynamics approach, this study investigates the dynamics of variables affecting the development and improvement of the technology transfer process in Iranian petro-refineries through a review of relevant studies and interviews with industry experts. Eight subsystems were identified in this study: organizational and environmental infrastructures, technology monitoring and selection, technology acquisition, technology learning and localization, knowledge management, innovation system, technology development and improvement, and technology dissemination. The causal loop diagrams associated with these subsystems were developed using Vensim software. Ultimately, the analysis of the causal loop diagrams indicates that the primary enabler for optimal technology transfer in Iranian petro-refineries is the existence of an organizational body dedicated to the leadership, coordination, and control of the technology transfer process. The absence of such an organization will hinder the optimal completion of the technology transfer process.
Downloads
References
Bagherzadeh, M., & Meftahi, J. (2011). Investigating Factors Affecting Successful Technology Transfer in Screw Compressor Industries of Iranian Companies. Beyond Management, 4(16), 125-154. https://sanad.iau.ir/en/Article/976152
Bayat, A., Rahbar, F., Vatani, A., & Razavi, S. A. (2022). An Analysis of the Value Chains of the Petrochemical Industry with a Focus on the New Approach of the Petro-Refinery. Petroleum Business Review, 6(4), 115-133. https://pbr.put.ac.ir/article_166828.html
Esmaili Pour Masouleh, E., & Garshasbi, A. (2016). Identifying Challenges and Presenting Solutions for Developing the Petrochemical Industry from the Perspective of Financial Integration of Listed Companies. Commercial Reviews, 80. https://barresybazargani.itsr.ir/article_30539.html?lang=en
Esmaili Shahmirzadi, H. (2020). Appropriate Market Development Strategies for Iran's Petrochemical Industry. Interdisciplinary Strategic Knowledge Quarterly, 10(40), 33-56. https://smsnds.sndu.ac.ir/article_1170.html?lang=en
Faghih, H. R., Ghazi Nouri, S. S., & Elyasi, M. (2023). Validation of Technology Acquisition Methods in Development Process of an Iranian Defense Industry. Scientific Journal of Management Improvement, 17(2), 60-87. https://www.behboodmodiriat.ir/article_175905.html?lang=en
Fayyaz, S., Faghihi, A., & Sayad Shirakesh, S. (2020). Public-Private Partnership Model in Iran's Downstream Oil Industries. Public Management Research, 13(50), 31-55. https://journal.iams.ir/article_351.html
Gholamnejad, M., Movahedi, M., Manteghi, M., & Aliyari, S. (2022a). Presenting a Model for Measuring Technology Transfer Success in Iran's Petrochemical Industries. Technology Development Management Quarterly, 9(4). https://jtdm.irost.ir/article_1169.html
Gholamnejad, M., Movahedi, M., Manteghi, M., & Aliyari, S. (2022b). Presenting a Structural Capital Model Centered on Technology Transfer in Iran's Petrochemical Industries. Innovation Management Journal, 11(2), 105-145. https://www.sid.ir/paper/1039715/en
Hafeez, A., Shamuddin, A. B., Saeed, B., Mehmood, A., & Andleeb, N. (2020). Exploring the impact of absorptive capacity on technology transfer effectiveness: A conceptual framework. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 9(3), 4779-4792. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340162489_Exploring_the_Impact_of_Absorptive_Capacity_on_Technology_Transfer_Effectiveness_A_conceptual_Framework
Hakkak, M., & Hassanvand, J. (2020). Transformational Leadership, Creativity and Innovation in Petrochemical Industry: The Mediating Role of Productive Work Behaviors. Transformation Management Research Journal, 12(23). https://tmj.um.ac.ir/article_30620.html?lang=en
Horner, S., Jayawarna, D., Giordano, B., & Jones, O. (2019). Strategic choice in universities: Managerial agency and effective technology transfer. Research Policy, 48(5), 1297-1309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2019.01.015
Khalil, T. M. (2000). Management of Technology: The Key to Competitiveness and Wealth Creation. McGraw-Hill. https://books.google.com/books/about/Management_of_Technology.html?id=0dWuAAAACAAJ
Khamseh, A., & Azadi, A. (2011). Evaluating Technology Transfer Success and Determining the Best Transfer Method Using AHP Model: Case Study of AzarAb Industries. Technology Growth, 7(26), 3-13. https://www.magiran.com/paper/913804/
Khamseh, A., Farhanifar, F., & Forouzanmehr, M. (2023). Technology Transfer Process Management. Saraafraz Publications.
Lavoie, J. R., & Daim, T. (2020). Towards the assessment of technology transfer capabilities: An action research-enhanced HDM model. Technology in Society, 60, 101-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.101217
Manjily, P., & Taleghani, M. (2015). Technology transfer strategy in the upstream oil industry (oil fields development) of the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided the effectiveness of technology transfer model. International Journal of Operational Research, 5(4), 87-101. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341070695_Technology_transfer_strategy_in_the_upstream_oil_industry_oil_fields_development_of_the_Islamic_Republic_of_Iran_has_provided_the_effectiveness_of_technology_transfer_model
Manjily, P., & Taleghani, M. (2016). Determine the Factors Affecting the Technology Transfer in the Development of Iranian Oil Fields by Using Contingent Effectiveness Model of Technology Transfer. Kuwaiti Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 5(10). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307869039_Determine_the_Factors_Affecting_the_Technology_Transfer_in_the_Development_of_Iranian_Oil_Fields_by_Using_Contingent_Effectiveness_Model_of_Technology_Transfer
Manteghi, M., Naghizadeh, M., Safardost, A., & Rozehsara, M. (2015). The role of organizational culture on the effectiveness of technology transfer projects in Iran. Journal of Technology Development Management, 3(1), 9-30. https://jtdm.irost.ir/article_352.html?lang=en
Milani Tabrizi, M., Alamtabriz, A., Fallah, M., & Kazemipoor, H. (2022). Development of Main Success Factors in Technology Transfer: An Empirical Study of Iranian Oil Industry. Journal of Industrial Engineering International, 18(4). https://sanad.iau.ir/Journal/jiei/Article/1039537
Min, J. W., Vonortas, N. S., & Kim, Y. (2019). Commercialization of transferred public technologies. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 138, 10-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.10.003
Moeini Jazani, R., Kasraei, A. R., Aslizadeh, A., & Sohrabi, T. (2020). Developing a Dynamic Knowledge Management Model for Iran's Oil Industry Using System Dynamics (SD) Approach. Strategic Management in Industrial Systems Quarterly, 15(52), 67-87. https://journals.iau.ir/article_675715.html?lang=en
Mohammadi, R. (2023). Legal Analysis of Smart Contracts in Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Sectors. International Nations Research Journal, 8(87). https://ensani.ir/fa/article/534205/
Mokhtarzadeh, N., & Rashidi Astaneh, M. (2016). Investigating the Effect of Technological Sensemaking and Organizational Capability on Innovative Performance with Emphasis on Absorptive Capacity Mediating Role. Technology Development Management Quarterly, 3(5), 9-39. https://jtdm.irost.ir/article_519.html?lang=en
Naghizadeh, M., Amini, R., & Nouri, S. (2017). A Context-Based Approach to Technology Transfer Challenges in International Commercial Contracts in Iran. Innovation Management Journal, 6(1), 1-19. https://www.nowavari.ir/article_57421.html?lang=en
Radfar, R., & Khamseh, A. (2021). Technology Management. Scientific and Cultural Publishing.
Sadeghi Marznaki, Y., Khamseh, A., & Hosseini Shakib, M. (2022). A system dynamics approach for investigating technology transfer capacities in Iranian polymer pipe and fittings industry. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358829472_A_system_dynamics_approach_for_investigating_technology_transfer_capacities_in_Iranian_polymer_pipe_and_fittings_industry
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mansoureh Esmaeili, Mohammad Mahdi Movahhedi (Author); Majid Motamedi (Corresponding author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
