Azim Kalantari-Asl, speaking at a signing ceremony for two new cooperation agreements — one to expand innovation and technology integration in the oil sector and another to establish a consortium for developing the associated gas value chain — said the way Iran manages its vast energy resources is a strategic issue that requires attention at the highest decision-making levels.

“Without major decisions and serious attention to digitalization and organizational convergence, the future of the energy industry will be at risk,” Kalantari-Asl said. “These agreements can help break down organizational barriers and move toward real value creation in the oil sector, but they require a long-term and government-backed approach.”

He added that while the industry has basic digital capabilities, stronger commitment and decisive action are needed. “If we want to overcome the backlog and plan for the future, it may already be late for some major decisions,” he said.

Kalantari-Asl highlighted the global trend of organizational convergence in technology, noting that many international companies have achieved significant value through collaboration. He called for a shift away from restrictive ownership practices toward knowledge- and resource-sharing models that promote innovation and help address the oil industry’s complex challenges.

Universities have played an important role in connecting with the oil industry, he said, but those collaborations need to evolve into long-term, structured partnerships. He pointed to cooperation between the Petroleum University of Technology and the RIPI as an example of how a sustainable academic-industry network could replace short-term projects.

Kalantari-Asl stressed that the government and the Oil Ministry must support the creation of such lasting networks. “Without this perspective, it will be difficult to sustain achievements,” he said, adding that the research institute stands ready to strengthen ties with universities and the private sector to advance this goal.

He concluded that if implemented properly with a long-term vision, the agreements signed Wednesday could help resolve key industry challenges and serve as a model for national convergence in innovation and technology.