Data-driven governance advocates for the use of data in policymaking to effectively guide societal affairs. Policy research is a method that emphasizes the use of real data and multilateral analysis at various stages of policymaking, . The aim of this study is to identify the main components of the policy research system to enhance the feasibility of its effective implementation. To this end, in addition to utilizing archival documents, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 academic and executive experts, and the main components of the policy research system were identified using thematic analysis. According to the research findings, the main components of the policy research system include inputs, processes, outputs, feedback, and actors. Inputs refer to human resources, financial resources, a clearly defined issue, and the policymaker, all of which must be timely integrated into the system for the policy research system to be established. The process of the policy research system pertains to the various evaluations carried out by policy research centers, which include pre-evaluation, evaluation during implementation, and post-evaluation. The outputs of the policy research system may comprise proposed policies resulting from pre-evaluation, recommendations to overcome implementation barriers, decisions regarding the continuation or amendment of executed policies, as well as lessons learned. The feedback from this system also refers to revisions in evaluation methods, data collection, indicators gathered, and required human resources that feed back into the inputs or processes. Three actors:supporters, implementers, and overseers—are introduced as the sustaining and driving agents of this system at different stages