Iranian knowledge-based exports jump to $1.5bn

The head of the of the Center for International Science and Technology Interactions of the office of the Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy says exports of Iran’s knowledge-based products has jumped from 869 million dollars in the Persian year of 1401 to about 1.5 billion dollars in 1402. 

Amirhossein Mirabadi said the value of joint international research and development projects also increased 212% during the period. 

He cited the 42% growth in cooperation with Iranian experts and entrepreneurs abroad as a great achievement of the Center for International Science and Technology Interactions last year. 

Referring to the approval of the promotion of the center to the Organization for the Expansion of International Scientific and Technological Cooperation by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and its approval by the president, he said based on the proposed plan of the Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, the main mission of this organization is to organize relations between policymakers, executives and target groups through formulating and proposing new policies, planning, capacity building and supporting Iran’s international scientific and technological interactions. 

Mirabadi then outlined the main achievements of the Center for International Science and Technology Interactions in 1402. He singled out the commissions that are responsible for economic cooperation with Ethiopia and Bulgaria, saying the office of the Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy has taken over the commissions with the aim of expanding scientific and technological interactions with a focus on knowledge-based achievements and promoting soft power and neutralizing sanctions. 

He went on to enumerate some of the achievements of this new approach. 

According to Mirabadi, among others are the establishment of an innovation and technology house in Tashkent, the introduction of a technological development consultant, the exchange of delegations in important events of Iran and Uzbekistan, the conclusion of a contract worth more than 10 million dollars, and the creation of a joint technology park.