Nariman Sadri, a member of the board of directors of the Iranian Association of Knowledge-Based Clusters, spoke about the role of the private sector in the “Leap in Knowledge-Based Production” law: “It was expected that we would be consulted in drafting the regulations, which has happened to some extent so far, but these consultations have not been structured. Therefore, we expect public and governmental institutions to improve the space for interaction.”

In a conversation with the Public Relations Department of the Iranian Association of Knowledge-Based Clusters regarding the challenges faced by knowledge-based companies, Sadri stated: “In the process of national development, enacting new and efficient laws that keep pace with the country’s progress is a key driver of development. In this phase of Iran’s development, as we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a new era of knowledge-based growth, there is a pressing need for updated laws.”

Sadri emphasized that the main challenge facing Iran’s knowledge-based ecosystem is the lack of coordination between the heavy, traditional legal frameworks currently in place and the innovative environment required for such enterprises. Regarding the role that the Association of Knowledge-Based Clusters can play in addressing these challenges, he said: “This umbrella organization operates within the professional landscape of knowledge-based and innovative companies. Based on its mission, it fosters collaboration among businesses, engages in dialogue with public and governmental bodies, and seeks effective ways to address the challenges faced by these enterprises.”

Sadri continued: “In terms of drafting the necessary regulations to facilitate the business environment for knowledge-based companies, this organization has close cooperation with relevant bodies and has established its position as an influential player. The Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, relevant committees in the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament), and public councils involved in knowledge-based discussions benefit from the advisory opinions of the association in designing strategies and legislation in this field. As a result, we are witnessing that the voice of the private sector is being heard more clearly in decision-making processes than before. However, there is still a gap to reach the ideal position. The mission of the new board of directors of the Association of Knowledge-Based Clusters is to enhance its role in fostering more effective and impactful interactions.”

**Referring to the Year’s Slogan**
This economic activist, referring to the year’s slogan, stated: “As expected, based on the slogan of the year, serious initiatives have been launched in the public and governmental sectors to accelerate the movement toward knowledge-based development in the country. Naturally, this acceleration will not be limited to one year; it marks the beginning of a major developmental push that may dominate the discourse on national development for the next decade.”

Sadri emphasized: “The mission of the Iranian Association of Knowledge-Based Clusters is to define its position, provide necessary input to legislative bodies, and participate in shaping this movement. So far, through collaboration with lawmakers in designing the ‘Leap in Knowledge-Based Production’ law and engaging in discussions on drafting the regulations, significant steps have been taken, and this path is being pursued seriously. Additionally, in specialized areas, the association facilitates the entry of member associations and clusters into these discussions through its supportive role.”

**Health Industry as a Key Sector in the Knowledge-Based Economy**
Sadri also addressed the status of knowledge-based companies in the health sector: “Historically, Iran’s health industry has had favorable conditions compared to other developing countries and has played a significant role in national development. This is evident in health indicators when compared to other countries; Iran ranks higher than many others in most development indices.”

He continued: “Over the past decade, developments in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, advances in biotechnology, the introduction of artificial intelligence, digital transformation in industries, and improvements in pharmaceutical and diagnostic/therapeutic equipment production have transformed the health industry into one of the main sectors in the knowledge-based economy. It is expected that in this new wave, the health industry will continue to create significant value in the country’s development. Since most knowledge-based companies in this sector are still small to medium-sized enterprises, future support is expected to help them mature and enter international markets.”

A member of the board of directors of the Tehran Province Health Knowledge-Based Companies Association, referring to the potential of companies active in this field, noted: “The primary client of the health industry is the government, so most services and products in this sector are subject to regulated pricing. Ultimately, the main insurers—public or governmental entities—are responsible for payments to suppliers. Mandatory pricing conditions prevent the full potential of these companies from being realized.”

Sadri added: “Moreover, it is necessary to open pathways for knowledge-based companies to enter other markets so they can escape the price ceilings imposed by the country’s economic conditions, which stifle innovation. Therefore, constructive political interactions are needed to facilitate the acceptance of Iranian technology in global markets.”

He identified the lack of banking channels for payments as another issue in this sector that needs to be addressed.

**Activities and Missions of the Tehran Province Health Knowledge-Based Companies Association**
This board member of the Iranian Association of Knowledge-Based Clusters elaborated on the activities and missions of the Tehran Province Health Knowledge-Based Companies Association: “The association strives to create a suitable platform for knowledge-based companies in the health sector, supporting active businesses while building a supportive and sustainable environment for startups. On the other hand, the association aims to contribute effectively to improving the quality of companies and healthcare services in the country by collaborating with managers and experts in this field.”

Referring to the association’s overall goals, Sadri highlighted the importance of enhancing the quality of knowledge-based companies through empowerment programs and supporting health-sector companies within a professional framework as key objectives. He added: “Currently, the association has 82 members who collaborate to share experiences and resolve conflicts to achieve these goals.”

*Interest in Becoming Knowledge-Based Enterprises*
Regarding the growing interest of businesses in becoming knowledge-based, especially in light of the year’s slogan, Sadri noted: “This trend has both positive and negative aspects. The dominance of the knowledge-based discourse and the creation of a supportive business environment are positive developments because this slogan acts as a catalyst for channeling resources into the country’s development engine. Naturally, companies will seek to grow within this framework, and their growth will ultimately lead to national economic growth. On the other hand, the negative aspect of entering this field could be the creation of rent-seeking and imbalanced growth in sectors that have greater access to resources compared to others.”

**Role of Chambers of Commerce in Drafting Regulations**
Sadri further discussed the role of chambers of commerce, particularly the Iranian Association of Knowledge-Based Clusters, in drafting the regulations for the “Leap in Knowledge-Based Production” law: “According to Article 2 of the Law for Continuous Improvement of the Business Environment, the government is obligated to consult the written opinions of chambers of commerce and relevant organizations, including those not affiliated with chambers, whether employer or worker-related, during the review and drafting of regulations and bylaws. Furthermore, when necessary, these entities should be invited to decision-making meetings.”

Sadri concluded: “It was naturally expected that we would be consulted in drafting the regulations, which has happened to some extent so far, but these consultations have not been structured. Therefore, we expect public and governmental institutions to improve the space for interaction.”