Document Type : Research paper
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Institute for Science and Technology Studies, Shahid Beheshti University
2
PhD Student of Innovation Studies and Strategic Technology Development, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Tehran, Iran
3
Master of Science and Technology Policy, Institute for Science and Technology Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/rahyaft.2026.12329.1671
Abstract
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Foresight serves as a vital tool for navigating future uncertainties and supporting evidence-based policymaking. There is a growing emphasis on reinforcing the functions of foresight within the policy process. To this end, the current study aims to propose a framework for foresight functions in STI policymaking with a focus on Iran’s National STI Foresight Programme from 2014 to 2026. We adopted a qualitative case study methodology. We gathered primary data through 14 semi-structured interviews and secondary data from the published reports of the programme under study. By axial coding of the data, we identified five functions, i.e., strengthening policy intelligence; informing and shaping discourse on the future; enhancing business intelligence; policy advice and policy implementation support; and empowering the governance/ policymaking system. Our findings indicate that two functions, strengthening policy intelligence and informing and discourse-building, have received more attention in the Iranian context, which aligns with the literature and the experience of leading countries. In contrast, attention to the remaining functions, including promoting business intelligence, providing policy advice, supporting policy implementation, and empowering the governance/ policy-making system, has been limited compared to international experiences. Our results can be used to institutionalize foresight as a mechanism to support the entire STI policy process. The findings of this study provide managerial and policy implications for strengthening STI foresight's policy functions in the context of Iran as well as other developing countries, where foresight is not considered as an effective mechanism of STI policy making and STI governance.
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