No abstract

Despite the importance of the transnational dimensions of TISs in developing countries, the number of case studies on the subject remains limited. The process of developing PV solar systems in Iran as a developing country has gone through different phases since 1991. The evolution of this process has been influenced by macro financial and political factors. This study aims to present a historical analysis of the formation and application of PV solar TIS in Iran to identify the innovation motors driving each stage of the process. Based on various changes in application models, PV technological innovation in Iran has been categorized into four phases: 1. Initiating (1991 to 2005), 2. Rising (2006), 3. Fostering (2012-2017, and 4. Falling (2017 onwards). The historical analysis revealed that transnational factors have been overlooked in Iran, and the country has been deprived of its advantages to develop a suitable TIS. Furthermore, through literature review, expert interviews, and thematic analysis, several strategies were established to promote transnational, including transfer and emulation of foreign technologies, international cooperative research programs, investment in joint operations, cooperative agreements, access to foreign markets, access to international investment, and submission to international laws and regimes.