An analysis of the status of science and technology laboratory infrastructure in Iran and the challenges of its development

Document Type : Point of view

Authors

1 Associat Prof of Technology Management, Technology Study Institute (TSI), Tehran, Iran,

2 Graduated in Materials Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

The development of science, technology, and innovation in any country requires investment in a wide range of infrastructures, including educational, research, technology development, commercialization, and information infrastructures. According to many experts, the lack of a comprehensive analysis of the state of S&T laboratory infrastructures and the lack of solutions tailored to local conditions and challenges in this area have been one of the main reasons for the failure to achieve the goals set in the Comprehensive Scientific Map (so called “Naghsheye Jame’a Elmi”) of Iran in the Horizon 2025. In this article, looking at the authors' two decades of executive experience in the field of networking the country's laboratory infrastructures, the most important challenges to the development of S&T laboratory infrastructures in the country have been identified and explained. Insufficient and scattered investment in research infrastructures, low productivity, unbalanced regional development, lack of large, world-class national infrastructures, excessive reliance of infrastructures on government budgets, and weak private sector investment are among the most important challenges to laboratory infrastructures in Iran. Also, suggestions have been made under the three headings of "reforming the governance structure and policymaking in the field of laboratory infrastructure in the country", "drafting and approving facilitating laws", and "designing and implementing support programs at the national level" to address the infrastructure challenges of S&T development in the country. The proposed macro strategies include; "improving the productivity of laboratory infrastructure", "attracting maximum private sector participation for investment", and "focusing future government investments on creating large laboratory infrastructures in a world-class manner while respecting regional balance".

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References

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