In a message marking National Research and Technology Week, Paknejad said technology-based development and applied research are essential for advancing the oil industry as a key driver of the national economy.

“In a world where power dynamics are increasingly shaped by knowledge and modern technologies, Iran’s oil industry must transition from conventional methods to development based on purposeful research and transformative technologies,” he said.

Paknejad noted that during a recent meeting between the Cabinet and Iran’s Supreme Leader, emphasis was placed on upgrading oil and gas production methods and making greater use of educated young elites. Following that guidance, a task force on advancing oil and gas production technologies was formed, bringing together executive managers, university professors and leading experts to help accelerate the transfer of innovation into operational production.

He also pointed to the development and rollout of the Oil Ministry’s technology development roadmap, prepared under a directive to better organize research and technology activities in the oil sector. The roadmap clearly defines the roles of all stakeholders, including main and subsidiary companies, research institutes, universities and knowledge-based firms, and sets out a transparent path for technological progress.

Paknejad expressed hope that the roadmap would strengthen cooperation within the oil industry’s innovation ecosystem, focus efforts on key bottlenecks, and better align industry needs with technological capabilities.

He thanked researchers, technologists and specialists across the country for their continued efforts and said closer synergy among industry, universities and the innovation ecosystem would not only help overcome sanctions but also usher in a new era of technological development.

“The outcome will be sustainable production, higher value-added and improved welfare for the Iranian people,” he said.