Background and Purpose:
The development and advancement of a nation's scientific capacity require the identification and strategic placement of elite individuals, along with the formation of interconnected networks of elite corps to facilitate synergy among them. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the key factors influencing the networking of elite corps.
Methodology:
This research is developmental-applied in nature and follows an exploratory approach within a mixed-methods framework. The study was conducted in three main phases: a systematic review of academic literature and scientific sources, qualitative data analysis using thematic network analysis, and validation of the extracted components through the fuzzy Delphi method. The statistical population consisted of experts and specialists in the field of elite affairs and elite core development, as well as selected managers from the National Elites Foundation related to student talent initiatives. A purposive judgmental sampling method was employed, involving 26 participants. The Delphi questionnaire was administered in two rounds.
Findings:
A total of 20 influential factors in the networking of elite corps were identified and categorized into three dimensions: individual, organizational, and environmental.
Conclusion:
The identified factors can inform the design and implementation of policies and programs aimed at developing elite core networks across the country.