Iran’s 13th admin. secures significant growth in knowledge-based, creative companies

The Iranian Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy has highlighted the substantial quantitative and qualitative growth of knowledge-based and creative companies as one of the key achievements of the 13th Administration. 

Rouhollah Dehghani Firoozabadi noted that while there were 6,600 knowledge-based companies operating in Iran by 2021, this number has now risen to 10,000. Additionally, more than 2,000 creative companies are now active within the nation’s technology and innovation ecosystem. 

Dehghani emphasized that these companies have generated 610 trillion IRR in sales and created employment for over 390,000 young graduates and specialists. 

He noted that the government’s steps in enhancing the role of knowledge-based companies in the economy and employment have led to significant transformations. 

Dehghani Firoozabadi  added: “These leading and capable knowledge-based companies have formed consortia to create substantial added value, increase exports, and meet the country’s essential needs.” 

The Vice President also highlighted science and technology diplomacy as a central element in the government’s international interactions. 

He reported that knowledge-based exports have exceeded $2.5 billion, resulting from the government’s approach that values science and technology in international relations. Last year, the Tehran House of Technology and Innovation (iHiT) hosted over 300 trade delegations and 60 business meetings. 

Dehghani Firoozabadi also mentioned the government’s leading role in supporting emerging technologies in the seventh development plan, explicitly naming six technological domains for the first time and mandating government investment and support in these areas.

The head of the National Elites Foundation added that supporting elites is a key focus for both the government and the National Elites Foundation. 

He said the “Connect” system was established to collaborate with Iranian specialists and elites abroad, leveraging their skills. This system has been significantly upgraded to facilitate cooperation with Iranian professors and specialists from 200 top universities worldwide, as well as prominent Iranian entrepreneurs and graduates. Under the Connect program, over 250 projects for international collaboration with non-resident Iranian elites have been defined. 

Dehghani also highlighted the substantial increase in the number of returning Iranian elites and their cooperation. 

From 2016 to early 2021, a total of 2,242 non-resident Iranian specialists and graduates have found opportunities for return and collaboration, he added.