Proposing A Framework For National S&T Labs In Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Science and Technology Policy Making, Institute for Science and Technology Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Master of Science and Technology Policy Making, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/jstp.2026.12110.1957

Abstract

National laboratories (labs) are pivotal institutions in the advancement of science and technology (S&T), by consolidating national research capacities and leading large-scale S&T projects to respond to national demands or push the frontiers of science. However, existing experiences of S&T labs in Iran have remained mostly service-oriented and dependent on government funding for their daily operations. This study aims to propose a framework for founding and managing national S&T labs in Iran. To this end, we reviewed the characteristics of national labs from Iranian and international experiences. By adopting a qualitative approach and conducting 14 semi-structured interviews, as well as convening a focus group, we propose a framework of features and principles for the foundation and operation of national S&T labs in the Iranian context. According to our findings, significant challenges affecting the performance of national labs include dependence on government budgets, centralized management, and limitations in utilizing external human resources. To address these limitations, our proposed framework entails five principles, i.e., (a) board of trustees governance with operational independence, (b) limited core staff complemented by an extended network of external researchers, (c) a diversified financial portfolio and project selection approach that integrates top-down strategic directions with bottom-up proposals, across frontier, applied research, and demand-driven projects, supporting infrastructure upgrade on project-basis, (d) an independent legal entity established under a management contract with a host institution, and lastly, (e) expansion of stakeholders participation and the scope of lab services. This framework provides implications towards ensuring the efficiency, continuation, and impact of national labs in S&T development in Iran. 

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