National innovation system for diabetes and metabolic disorders can promote biomedical research accountability; a literature review and designing a conceptual framework

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and health challenges in most countries and Iran. There is a domestic need to design an innovation system for healthcare through the integration of science and related industries in the country to overcome its specific challenges and complications. The present research aims to review the existing literature and experiences in designing a national innovation system in the field of diabetes and metabolic disorders to improve the research accountability in this field based on society’s real needs. Four steps were carried out as an examination of challenges and costs of diabetes, a thorough review of relevant literature and expert opinion, investigation of the status of research responsiveness to the real needs of society In Iran and the world, examination the types, components and the requirements of innovation systems and designing the National Innovation System for diabetes and metabolic disorders in Iran. We identified ten components for diabetes and metabolic disorders innovation system, which were classified under four categories. The effective communication of 10 components, which are included in this study, is an essential element that can play a vital role in the effectiveness of diabetes and metabolic disorders innovation system in order to meet the community needs. Moreover, these components were categorized by experts in four groups of policymaking, financing, research and development, and education, as the functions of the National Innovation System for diabetes and metabolic disorders in Iran.