Groundbreaking Sci-Tech Park Opens in Baghdad, Strengthening Iran-Iraq Innovation Ties

In a significant development for higher education and innovation, Sharif University of Technology has officially inaugurated the first joint science and technology park at Baghdad University. This project marks the culmination of a year and a half of collaborative efforts between the two esteemed institutions, aimed at enhancing Iraq’s scientific and technological landscape.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Masoud Tajrishi, the president of Sharif University of Technology, and Baha Ibrahim Insaf, the president of Baghdad University. According to a report from IRNA, this initiative is structured as a five-year plan, allowing Sharif University to leverage its two decades of experience in developing science and technology parks to benefit Baghdad University.

The project is divided into three key stages, each designed to ensure effective implementation and successful outcomes. The first stage, which has already been completed, encompasses the following four steps:

1. Space Allocation: Designating the necessary area for the technology park.
2. Faculty Identification: Collaborating with faculty members from various disciplines at Baghdad University to aid in the commercialization of research findings.
3. Opportunity and Threat Analysis: Conducting a thorough examination of potential opportunities and challenges in the region.
4. Legal Framework Development: Drafting legal provisions and regulations to foster an environment conducive to technology and innovation.

Iraq is keen to utilize Iran’s expertise in establishing science and technology parks. In January, Naeem Al-Aboudi, the Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, expressed this interest during a meeting with Hossein Simaei-Sarraf, Iran’s Minister of Science, Research, and Technology. Al-Aboudi emphasized the importance of leveraging Iran’s advanced capabilities in the technology sector, stating, “Regulations have been passed to found technology parks in the country, and we are willing to use Iran’s expertise,” as reported by IRNA.

He further explained that enhancing cooperation between Iraqi and Iranian universities will significantly elevate the scientific capacities of both nations and contribute to solving shared challenges. Al-Aboudi stressed the importance of aligning scientific collaboration with political and cultural relations, highlighting the mutual benefits of such partnerships.

Simaei-Sarraf reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to assist Iraq by sharing its extensive experience in establishing technological and knowledge-based companies. He noted that Iran is prepared to offer consultation and investment opportunities for the development of science and technology parks in Iraq. In a forward-thinking move, the official also announced that Iranian universities, including Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, are planning to open branches in Iraq.

During the discussions, Simaei-Sarraf remarked on the shared interests and commonalities between Iran and Iraq, emphasizing the desire to cultivate stronger ties in the fields of science and technology. He pointed out that existing agreements and memorandums should be actively implemented to facilitate this development.

In December 2024, Simaei-Sarraf had reiterated Iran’s commitment to establishing a joint science and technology park in Iraq, underscoring the importance of this initiative in fostering academic and technological advancements.

Furthermore, Simaei-Sarraf expressed Iran’s eagerness to attract talented Iraqi students, particularly to institutions located in border cities. He highlighted the requirement for Iraqi students to study in Persian, a proposal that has been positively received by the Iraqi administration, according to IRNA. This initiative aims to deepen cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.

Both Simaei-Sarraf and Haider Abd Dahed, the Iraqi deputy minister of higher education, have emphasized their commitment to expanding scientific ties through student exchanges, collaborative research, and technology sharing. This collaborative spirit between Iran and Iraq signifies a promising path toward innovation and growth in the region.

In conclusion, the establishment of the joint science and technology park at Baghdad University represents a pivotal step in fostering educational and technological collaboration between Iran and Iraq. By leveraging shared expertise and resources, both nations are poised to enhance their scientific capabilities and address common challenges, paving the way for a brighter future in science and technology.