It has been several months since a stranger has threatened our lives. A virus that reveals new dimensions of its nature every day and increases concerns among humans. The coronavirus has altered the vision of the world for a disease-free future. However, what is a strong shield to battle such a crisis?

Iran has been able to use its capacity to develop technology and innovations. However, what is the position of this capacity, compared to the past and other countries? How much cost has been imposed on Iran in order to develop its innovation ecosystem, compared to the world?

Iran’s Path toward Innovation  

The global innovation index (Gii) report has shown the direction of Iran toward innovation and its position in indexes related to the field. The Gii has criteria that are based on the two indicators of input (input), innovation and output (output) (innovation). Input components of innovation include institutions, human capital and research, infrastructure, market complexity, and business complexity. On the other hand, output components of innovation are creative and technology knowledge outputs.

Iran"s rank in 2017 has increased by 31 ranks compared to 2013. Iran ranked 75th in the world in terms of the Global Innovation Index in 2017.

In terms of research and technology infrastructure indicators, Iran’s rank increased from 99 in 2013 to 79 in 2017 and increased by 20 steps. Iran"s ranking in the field of knowledge and technological outputs has increased from 76 in 2013 to 47 in 2017 and has improved by 49 ranks.

However, one of the most important parts of reporting Giis is Iran"s place in creative outputs. Based on technological indicators related to the creative output sector, Iran"s ranking has increased from 127 in 2013 to 65 in 2017.

In the knowledge application index, which is below the knowledge and technological output section, Iran was ranked 24th in the world. In this index, Iran has improved by 40 steps compared to 2013. Iran is also ranked 18th in the world in terms of GDP growth relative to the labor force, which is below the knowledge impact index in the field of knowledge and technological outputs, which was ranked 89th in 2013.

These statistics show that the path and direction in technological development and achieving progress in innovation indicators has been correct, and the continuation of the path in this direction requires serious determination and effort in supporting the institutions and activists of the Innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. An action that will bring valuable results in the not-too-distant future, while they can help the country in the face of immediate and critical events whose only cure is innovation.

A report by the public relations and information center of the Vice-Presidency for science and technology affairs