Unveiling Iran’s Future: A 2023 Insight into Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategies
Reza Ghiabi
?? Strategy Advisor | ?? Community Builder | ? TEDxTehran Organizer | ?? ex-PwC & Omidyar
Chapter 1: Science, Technology, and Innovation in Iran: An Overview
This comprehensive overview explores Iran’s vibrant science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape. From impressive tertiary education enrollment to burgeoning entrepreneurship initiatives, discover how Iran is shaping its innovation strategy to become a regional leader in technological advancement.
1.1 Tertiary Education and Graduation Rates:
Iran’s commitment to education shines through its remarkable enrollment and graduation rates in tertiary institutions. With over 3.1 million students enrolled in 2020-2021 and approximately 577,526 graduates, Iran’s focus on academic excellence is evident.
1.2 Gender Balance in Education:
Gender equality is experienced in Iran’s education system, with balanced enrollment percentages of 49.2% male and 50.8% female students in tertiary institutions. Iran stands out in the Middle East for its inclusive approach to education.
1.3 Knowledge-Based Firms and Entrepreneurship:
Witness the surge of knowledge-based firms and startup initiatives fueling Iran’s innovation ecosystem. With S&T parks increasing from 33 to 49 and incubators soaring from 131 to 223, Iran provides fertile ground for research and entrepreneurship.
1.4 Job Creation and Economic Impact:
Discover the significant role of tech companies in Iran’s job creation and economic growth. With 5,226 startups in the manufacturing sector alone, Iran’s emphasis on technology and innovation drives socio-economic progress.
1.5 International Standing in Scientific Productions:
Dive into Iran’s global influence in scientific research and publications, ranking 14th globally with an H-index of 416 and over 21,320 self-citations. Iran’s growing presence in the global scientific community underscores its commitment to research excellence.
Iran’s STI landscape reflects a strategic investment in education, research, and entrepreneurship, positioning the country as a prominent player in global innovation. With a continued focus on talent development and technological advancement, Iran is poised to achieve even more significant milestones in science and technology.
Chapter 2: Navigating Iran’s Science Governance Evolution: A New Era of STI Policies
Embark on a journey through Iran’s evolving science governance landscape, marked by strategic shifts towards innovation-driven growth and a knowledge-based economy. Delve into the three waves of STI policies that have shaped Iran’s approach to science governance, from prioritizing higher education to embracing entrepreneurship and innovation.
2.1 Wave 1: Pioneering Higher Education and Emerging Technologies (1990-2010)
Explore Iran’s early STI policies, from 1990 to 2010, which focused on developing higher education and fostering academic productivity. Witness the establishment of the country’s first science and technology parks and critical initiatives like the Nanotechnology Initiative Council. This phase laid the groundwork for emerging technologies and innovation, setting the stage for future advancements.
2.2 Wave 2: Empowering Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (2010-present)
Dive into Iran’s strategic shift towards promoting entrepreneurship and commercialization of innovation, beginning in 2010. Learn about pivotal policies such as the Law on Support for Knowledge-based Institutions/Firms and establishing the Iran National Innovation Fund. Experience the surge in startups, with the manufacturing sector leading the charge with 5,226 startups in 2021 alone.
2.3 Wave 3: Embracing Innovation-Driven Growth (2015-present)
Witness Iran’s recent transition towards innovation-driven growth and a knowledge-based economy. Discover parliamentary approvals of laws to foster entrepreneurship and innovation and establish innovation centers and accelerators. Experience the vibrant ecosystem nurturing technology startups and knowledge-based firms, propelling Iran towards regional research and technological advancement leadership.
Iran’s journey through the waves of STI policies reflects a strategic commitment to harnessing science and technology for economic growth and societal progress. Iran positions itself as a frontrunner in regional research and technological innovation by fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Chapter 3: Iran’s Strategic Blueprint: Main National Policies on Science, Technology, and Innovation
Delve into the heart of Iran’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape by exploring the cornerstone national policies that drive research excellence, technology transfer, and economic resilience. Uncover the objectives, strategies, and implementation mechanisms that underpin Iran’s strategic approach to STI, shaping its trajectory toward sustainable growth and development.
3.1 Local Content and Technology Transfer Policies:
Discover Iran’s initiatives aimed at boosting local content and facilitating technology transfer. From the “Law on Maximum Utilization of Manufacturing and Service Capabilities” to the Technology Annex, explore how these policies promote indigenous innovation and enhance local firms’ research, development, and engineering capabilities.
3.2 Supreme Leader’s National Policy on Science and Technology (2014):
Gain insights into the Supreme Leader’s directive, outlining strategic objectives for advancing STI in Iran. Explore the emphasis on continuous scientific endeavors, optimizing the education and research system, and fostering active cooperation with other countries and scientific centers, particularly in the Islamic world.
3.3 Comprehensive Document of International Scientific Relations of IRI (2018):
Uncover Iran’s strategy for international scientific cooperation, emphasizing scientific diplomacy and coordinated use of scientific capacities. Learn about critical strategies, including creating coordination between relevant bodies and developing transnational networks among scientists and research centers.
3.4 National Policy for a Resilient Economy (2014):
Explore the National Policy for a Resilient Economy, focusing on entrepreneurship and knowledge-based economic development. From promoting entrepreneurship to increasing exports of innovative goods and services, understand the objectives and implementation mechanisms driving Iran’s economic resilience.
3.5 Implementation Mechanisms and Action Plans:
Learn about the dedicated institutions and mechanisms established to implement Iran’s national STI policies effectively. From the Center for International Science and Technology Cooperation to the Supreme Economy Council, discover the key players overseeing policy implementation and approving relevant projects.
Iran’s national policies on STI serve as a strategic blueprint for leveraging science, technology, and innovation as catalysts for sustainable economic growth and societal development. Through meticulous planning, coordination, and implementation, Iran positions itself as a global leader in research excellence and technological innovation, driving progress toward a prosperous future.
References:
Chapter 1: Science, Technology, and Innovation in Iran: An Overview
Chapter 2: Trends in Science Governance: A New Generation of STI Policies
Chapter 3: Main National Policies on Science, Technology, and Innovation
General director with 20 + years of experience
6 个月These quantitative approach is not correct. I am sorry to say, its not the right way to showcase the potential of Iran Science, technology and innovation. What's the outcome of those indexes in Iran's economy and quality of people's life! How many Iranian technological brands are present in international markets? What is the share of Iran technological export in the world?