From developing the value chain of advanced industries to supporting mission-oriented programs

According to the performance report of the Scientific Vice-President in 1404, the Center for the Development of Strategic Technologies of the Presidential Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-based Economy has taken effective steps towards developing strategic technologies, completing the value chain of advanced industries, and strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem by implementing a series of national programs in the fields of mining, health, research infrastructure, patents, and mission-oriented technologies.

According to the Communication and Information Center of the Presidential Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-based Economy, the development of strategic technologies is one of the main axes of the country’s science and technology policies. In this regard, the Center for Strategic Technology Development of the Scientific Vice-Ministry has tried to complete the value chain of advanced technologies by designing and implementing national and mission-oriented programs, while providing the basis for the development of scientific and industrial infrastructures and the formation of new markets in technological fields.

Development of the Value Chain of Rare Earth Elements

In order to develop the value chain of rare earth elements and reduce the country’s dependence on the import of strategic raw materials, the “National Program for the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Apatite Concentrate Using the Nitrophosphate Process” has been defined and implemented. This program aims to localize the technical knowledge of extracting rare earth elements, complete the value chain of strategic minerals, and create an industrial production infrastructure for these elements in the country. It is expected that the implementation of this plan will increase the added value of domestic mineral resources and pave the way for the formation of a sustainable domestic market in advanced industries.

Supporting the AI ​​Leadership Network in Health

The Center for Strategic Technologies Development has supported the formation and development of the AI ​​Leadership Network in this field in order to utilize the capabilities of AI in the field of health. This network aims to develop technological solutions based on AI in the fields of diagnosis, treatment, and health data management, with the aim of synergy between researchers, knowledge-based companies, and related institutions.

Definition and Implementation of the Technological Postdoctoral Program

In order to develop technological human capital and strengthen the connection between university and industry, the “TOP Technological Postdoctoral Program” has been defined and implemented. During this period, PhD holders implement a technological project in a knowledge-based company for two years under the supervision of a faculty member with the rank of associate professor or higher who is active in the knowledge-based company. This program is organized in partnership with knowledge-based companies and a scientific institute and with the support of the Deputy for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy. So far, 64 technological postdoctoral projects have been accepted in this program and 28 executive contracts have been signed.

Support for the National Observatory of Iran

In order to develop large-scale research infrastructures and enhance the country’s scientific authority, the targeted exploitation of the National Observatory of Iran has been put on the agenda as one of the national infrastructure projects. This advanced infrastructure enables precise astronomical observations and the production of scientific data at an international level, and plays an important role in training specialized human capital and developing advanced optical technologies and precision instruments.

Support for foreign patent registration

Given the complexity and cost of the patent registration process at the international level, the Scientific Vice-Minister has tried to reduce the risk of failure of foreign patent applications and prevent the waste of foreign currency resources by providing operational and financial support to the country’s inventors and technologists. This measure, in addition to empowering inventors, helps to increase the country’s foreign patent registrations and strengthen Iran’s technological authority in the international arena.

The improvement in lifespan and the increase in the elderly population are no longer just a biotechnological or medical issue, but rather the result of the convergence of different technological sectors and can lead to the development of several industries. Accordingly, the Center for Strategic Technologies Development, considering the importance of this issue and the future needs of the country, has defined the field of aging as one of its mission-oriented programs. Based on the call published in this field, 38 technological projects have been accepted and supported so far.

In order to enhance the country’s ability to control and manage crises and natural disasters, a comprehensive mission-oriented crisis management program has been launched within the framework of the Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy (MOIP). This program aims to develop and disseminate new technologies effective in crisis management and produce technological products in this field, in cooperation with a set of stakeholders and actors in the country’s innovation ecosystem.