Speaking on Monday at the closing ceremony of the Third Petrotech Conference, Mohammad-Sadeq Khayatian emphasized that significant advancements can be achieved in the oil sector through scientific policies, tech-based approaches, and support for innovative companies.

He noted that such events help introduce knowledge-based firms to the industry and facilitate their engagement with major players.

He also highlighted the role of large corporations in the development of a tech-based economy, stating that investment and involvement from these companies would yield positive results.

10,000 NTBFs operating in Iran

 Khayatian noted that nearly 10,000 NTBFs are currently active across various sectors in Iran. In the previous Iranian year of 1402 (2023), these firms recorded sales exceeding 5.2 quadrillion rials.

According to projections, under the Seventh Development Plan, the share of NTBFs in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) should reach approximately 7%.

He traced the country’s innovation trajectory back to the post-Islamic Revolution era, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, when emphasis was placed on higher education and overseas studies to develop specialized skills.

This trend was reinforced in the 2000s and 2010s with the establishment of scientific infrastructure and research hubs. A pivotal moment came in 2010 with the enactment of the NTBFs Support Act, which significantly contributed to the growth of these firms.

The passage of this law addressed many challenges faced by tech-based businesses, Khayatian said.

Further progress was made with the enactment of the Knowledge-Based Production Leap Act in the Iranian year of 1401 (2022), which placed special emphasis on demand-driven technological investments and tax incentives.

 This shift in approach, alongside supply-side support, has accelerated the growth of knowledge-based firms while reducing dependence on foreign sources in strategic sectors such as petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Leveraging large corporations for technology development

 Khayatian stressed that regulatory support, particularly through the NTBFs Act and the Tech-Based Production Leap Act, has played a crucial role in the development of these businesses.

He expressed optimism that these measures would have a positive impact on the country’s economy in the near future.

He also underscored the importance of productivity in industries and the role of knowledge-based companies. Citing research conducted in 2013 and 2014, he noted that students tend to prefer employment in reputable, well-established firms.

Large corporations, with their access to extensive markets, experienced workforces, and financial resources, can serve as platforms for attracting top talent.

However, Khayatian acknowledged some of the challenges faced by NTBFs, including limited market access and constrained resources. In contrast, large corporations, in collaboration with universities and startups, can help bridge these gaps.

Meanwhile, NTBFs possess highly motivated, skilled teams with significant growth potential.

He also highlighted the role of intermediary institutions in commercializing technologies and facilitating collaboration between major corporations and startups. Investment in technology, he said, offers substantial added value, and leveraging the experience and networks of large companies can drive technological advancement and industrial growth.