VP: Innovation key to dynamic knowledge-based economy

Iran’s Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Hossein Afshin, emphasized the need for continuous innovation and advanced technology to sustain Iran’s knowledge-based ecosystem during a one-day visit to Zanjan Province.

In meetings with tech entrepreneurs, startup executives, and university leaders, Afshin praised Zanjan’s strong performance in developing its innovation infrastructure, noting that the province hosts around 120 active knowledge-based companies.
“Roughly 75% of these firms are in the early stages, while the rest have entered more advanced technological phases. Our priority is to guide them toward becoming mature, innovative companies,” he stated.

Afshin called for targeted policy support, tax incentives, and investment in technology infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of this growth.
“Belief alone is not enough—strong technology is essential,” he said. “Even a modest vision, if backed by robust innovation, can outperform a bold idea with weak execution.”

He also reiterated that companies must maintain active innovation to remain within the government’s official list of knowledge-based firms.
“Losing that status doesn’t mean failure—it ensures vitality in the ecosystem by encouraging continual advancement,” Afshin concluded.