Tehran and Warsaw Strengthen Scientific and Technological Collaboration
In a significant development for international scientific collaboration, Iranian and Polish officials have underscored the need for enhanced cooperation in science, research, and technology. This pivotal meeting took place on Tuesday, where Iranian Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf and Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education, Marcin Kulasek, reached a consensus on revitalizing scientific and technological agreements.
The discussions were held during the 22nd annual meeting of the Science and Technology Society (STS) forum, hosted in Kyoto, Japan, from October 5 to 7. This forum serves as a vital platform for global leaders to engage in dialogue about the role of science and technology in serving humanity.
During their meeting, the two ministers exchanged invitations to visit each other’s countries, aiming to deepen their understanding of each other’s universities and scientific achievements. The importance of such exchanges is crucial in fostering a collaborative environment in academia and research.
Established in 2004, the STS Forum is an annual international conference that gathers policymakers, business leaders, scientists, researchers, and media representatives from around the world. The 2025 edition has attracted nearly 1,400 global leaders from over 80 countries, regions, and international organizations, all coming together to discuss pressing scientific issues.
In addition to their discussions, the Iranian official also met with his Japanese counterpart, emphasizing the necessity of sustaining and enhancing scientific relations. Both officials recognized the potential of leveraging elite capabilities from their respective countries to improve scientific interactions.
During this meeting, Simaei-Sarraf urged Japan to consider increasing the number of scholarships available for Iranian students, which could further strengthen educational ties between the two nations.
A Successful Model of Scientific and Technological Development
In a related context, Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhry, the coordinator general of the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH), praised Iran’s capacity for innovation and technology. He referred to Iran as one of the most successful countries globally in this regard while inaugurating the COMSTECH center in Tehran’s Pardis Technology Park.
Pardis Technology Park stands out as a premier example of an innovative ecosystem in West Asia, having witnessed remarkable growth over the last two decades. Chaudhry noted:
- The park’s infrastructure plays a critical role in promoting scientific cooperation within the Islamic world.
- The establishment of a joint academy within the region is expected to be a significant milestone in advancing joint scientific and technological progress.
Iran’s Ranking in Technology and Innovation
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Technology and Innovation Report 2025, Iran ranks 72nd among 166 countries, categorizing it among upper middle-income countries. This ranking reflects a slight improvement, moving up one position compared to 2022.
UNCTAD has identified 17 types of technologies as frontier technologies, which include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Internet of Things
- Big Data
- 5G Technology
- 3D Printing
- Robotics
- Drone Technology
- Solar Photovoltaics
- Concentrated Solar Power
- Biofuels
- Biogas and Biomass
- Wind Energy
- Green Hydrogen
- Electric Vehicles
- Nanotechnology
- Gene Editing
The Technology and Innovation Report 2025 focuses on inclusive artificial intelligence for development, aiming to guide policymakers in designing effective science, technology, and innovation policies. It emphasizes the need for AI that prioritizes human welfare and fosters global cooperation where every country can contribute to the dialogue.
Key highlights from the report include:
- A focus on three primary leverage points: infrastructure, data, and skills.
- An analysis of the requirements and policies necessary to support sustainable industrialization and innovation.
The sub-indices for readiness in frontier technologies reveal that Iran performs best in the research and development sub-index, ranking 35th globally. However, in the finance sub-index, Iran has improved its position from 62 in 2022 to 56 in 2025. Unfortunately, its rankings in other important areas such as skills and the establishment of information and communication technology have decreased, now standing at 82 and 94, respectively.
This ongoing focus on scientific collaboration, innovation, and technological advancement underscores the commitment of both Iran and Poland to enhance their scientific landscapes while fostering international partnerships.
