In developed countries, 5% of the gross national product (GNP) is allocated for research and development (R&D) while in Iran it is only 1%,” said Shahindokht Molaverdi, vice-president for women and family affairs. “We have not recognized the significance of R&D. This is due to several reasons including monoculture economics, high costs of research and its low budget share, and lack of understanding of the role of research in national development,” IRNA quoted her as saying.
