Developing a protocol for determining the competitive advantage of clinical specialty and sub-specialty mission differentiation in Iran.

Introduction: The differentiation as a process occurs when new functions emerge in a system, and for this reason the university system is bound to diversify. With the advancement of knowledge and increase in competition, it has become a challenging issue and an inevitable necessity. This study aimed at identifying the dimensions of the differentiation of Iran's medical sciences universities through determining a protocol of the competitive advantage and scientific strength of clinical specialty and sub-spatiality departments of research activities.