Digital Leap: A Core Priority for Investment and Development in Iran’s 14th Administration
The First Vice President announced that the 14th Administration has prioritized the expansion of digital infrastructure, workforce development, advanced ICT training, support for knowledge‑based companies, and investment attraction as key pillars of its national technology strategy.
Speaking at the National Conference on Investment Opportunities in Communications and Information Technology, held at IRIB’s International Conference Center, he emphasized that information and communications technology (ICT) is now one of the safest, most profitable, and most strategic sectors for investment in Iran. He stated that the government stands ready to remove barriers, revise regulations, and support major ICT projects.
Highlighting investment, communications, and information technology as the three defining themes of the country’s current development period, the First Vice President explained that Iran’s Seventh Development Plan—positioned as an economic reform program—requires significant capital investment to achieve its targeted 8% growth rate.
He stressed that national production is not limited to hardware and that a simultaneous leap in both hardware and software, especially in emerging technologies, is essential for remaining competitive in the region. Following the adoption of Principle 44 policies and the long‑term national vision, private‑sector participation improved, though gaps remain compared to the goals laid out in higher‑level policy documents.
The Vice President underlined the importance of regional cooperation, noting Iran’s strong standing in regional organizations and emphasizing that joint initiatives can help address shared technological needs. He also referenced the annual national motto designated by the country’s leadership, noting that this year’s focus on “investment for production” aligns closely with the conference’s objectives.
The founder of the national cryptography association stated that ICT now plays a cross‑sectoral and foundational role in the Seventh Development Plan, adding that virtually no economic sector can progress without digital transformation. He stressed that harnessing domestic scientific capacities and empowering the private sector are prerequisites for an ICT‑driven leap.
He also addressed Iran’s ranking 70 in the Global Innovation Index and 46 in innovation output—arguing that these indicators do not fully reflect the country’s capabilities due to delayed data reporting by responsible institutions. Still, he acknowledged that the rankings demonstrate strength in several areas.
Pointing to the substantial gap between Iran and global ICT standards, he noted that regional countries are increasingly interested in technological cooperation with Iran, but domestic digital infrastructure remains insufficient to fully meet this demand. Attracting investment, he said, remains one of the country’s major challenges, and reducing investment barriers is a top priority for the 14th Administration.
He added that despite the existing gap between academia and industry, Iran possesses strong human capital, making a significant ICT leap achievable with proper planning.
Emphasizing the transformative role of artificial intelligence, he described AI as the driving force behind the next generation of communications, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and digital services. Although Iran currently lags in this domain, he noted that the administration has already established national committees for AI development and cybersecurity to accelerate progress.
He also highlighted the expansion of fiber‑optic networks, deployment of 5G, and reliance on domestic technical capabilities as core elements of the government’s digital agenda. Other countries, he said, have advanced through high‑speed networks, cloud services, venture capital mechanisms, and tax incentives—models Iran intends to draw from.
In closing, the senior official stated that the future of Iran’s economy is digital. Data‑driven innovation, not underground resources, will shape the future. He emphasized that Iran has the potential to become a regional ICT hub, multiply its digital service exports, and create high‑quality employment opportunities for young talent.