The groundwork has been laid for launching three joint research projects with European Union countries, said the minister of science, research and technology. Speaking in a conference in Kashan University, Mohammad Farhadi added that these projects are worth €3 million, though he did not specify the details or focus of the projects.
"A total of 141 joint research projects had formerly been completed. These projects were carried out between Iran and European countries such as Italy, Germany, France, Austria and Turkey," Mehr News Agency quoted Farhadi as saying. The minister highlighted the need for developing more knowledge-based firms and science and technology parks.
"As of now, over 4,000 knowledge-based firms have applied for permits, 2,200 of which have set up businesses in science and technology parks," he said.
Farhadi said nearly 1.1% of this year's gross domestic product is expected to be raised from research and technology, adding that the figure has been forecast to be twice last year's. He noted that the goals pursued by universities should not stop at education, "they must aim for higher goals such as transforming abstract scientific notions into revenue-making products to meet the country's needs," ISNA reported.
"Resistance Economy can come about by establishing knowledge-based firms," he said. Resistance Economy is a set of policies proposed by the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to boost the economy ending oil dependency and promoting domestic production.
Farhadi added that the country's management, production and trade must focus on knowledge and science.
"This highlights the pressing need for strengthening the links among universities, the people, the society and industries," he said.
He explained that plans leading to closer ties between universities and industries include "introducing university courses focused on applied science."
"To this end, the ministry plans to help the development of knowledge-based firms, as well as technological and entrepreneurial businesses," he said. The minister also announced plans to set up more entrepreneurship centers and restructure university courses. "To boost the scientific rankings of the country, it is necessary to develop scientific diplomacy at the international level," he said.
Farhadi said opportunities should be created for professors and university students to participate in exchange programs.
