Iranian innovation advisor urges creative industries as a nation’s soft power

Khadijeh Joda, Advisor on Women’s Affairs at the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, emphasized the role of creative industries as a nation’s soft power during a specialized event on cultural and creative industries.

The event took place on February 13-14 in Mashhad’s Science and Technology Park, bringing together experts and policymakers to discuss strategies for expanding Iran’s creative economy.

“In a world where traditional economies are facing structural stagnation, creative industries can serve as engines of dynamic and resilient economies,” she stated.

She pointed out that while leading nations such as South Korea, the UK, and China have allocated over 5% of their GDP to creative industries, Iran’s share remains at only 1.3%.

Joda outlined a roadmap for expanding Iran’s creative economy, setting measurable targets such as increasing the sector’s GDP contribution within three years, boosting employment in cultural and creative fields, and achieving an annual 20% growth in creative product exports to regional and global markets.

“We may not be able to predict the future, but we can create it,” Joda concluded. “Iran is a land of civilizations and great stories. It is time to write a new story—one of creativity, innovation, and a future built by our own hands.”