Mapping the social networks of key actors in the development of health technology assessment in Iran

Abstract

Background Health Technology Assessment (HTA) plays a crucial role in informing health policy and ensuring the effective allocation of resources. In Iran, the development and implementation of HTA involve various key actors with differing levels of influence, interest, and support. Understanding the social networks and power dynamics among these actors is essential for optimizing HTA processes. Methods This study employed Social Network Analysis (SNA) to map the relationships and interactions among 27 identified stakeholders involved in HTA development in Iran. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 83 participants, assessing five dimensions: power, position, interest, influence, and support. Network metrics, including degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, and eigenvector centrality, were calculated to evaluate the roles and connections of each actor. Results The analysis revealed that the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Food and Drug Administration, Insurance Organizations, and the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) are the most influential actors in the HTA network. The Plan and Budget Organization and National Institute of Health Research emerged as key connectors with high centrality metrics. Despite this, the network exhibited limited connectivity and sparse interactions among some actors, notably the Chamber of Commerce. Conclusion The study highlights the central roles of key institutions in HTA development while identifying gaps in stakeholder communication and connectivity. Enhancing collaboration and addressing these gaps are critical for improving HTA processes in Iran. Strengthening central coordination and stakeholder engagement will facilitate more effective HTA implementation and informed health policy decisions.