First VP Underlines Importance of Knowledge-Based Economy

Jahangiri noted on Sunday that five approaches in the Resistance Economy are focused on knowledge-based economy, stressing that knowledge-based companies can benefit from all of these approaches, as they are all commensurate with each other.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 4th Exhibition of Iranian-Made Laboratory Equipment and Materials here in Tehran, as reported by IRNA and translated by IFP.

The main orientation of Iran’s economy is towards the accumulation of knowledge, Jahangiri pointed out, adding that the Iranian administration should develop precise approaches so as to realize this knowledge-based economy.

“A knowledge-based economy means that our industry, agriculture, and oil – as well as the way the country is administered – should be based on knowledge,” he added.

Jahangiri referred to universities as the main infrastructure for the realization of such an economy, and stated that universities have a key role to play in the production of knowledge inside the country.

“Our primary mission is to equip the universities correctly, and the government should help equip the country’s universities with the required laboratory equipment,” he went on to say.

The Iranian first vice-president further referred to the contracts recently signed by the Iranian oil ministry with the country’s top universities, and said that more than $300m is earmarked to be given to universities to make the oil industry less dependent on foreign sources of knowledge and expertise.

“We are all responsible for Iran’s development,” he said, stressing that sustainable development is only possible if it utilizes science and technology.

“Given Iran’s historical record in the production of science and technology in the world, we need to regain our former position. We should pay attention to the scientific elite and respect our universities,” he stated.