Digital transformation in Iran: a review of the experiences of the Information Technology Organization

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I address you in the preface of this report on behalf of the Information Technology Organization of Iran (ITO). As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of information technology, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the digital infrastructure and e-services that underpin the progress of our nation.

ITO, as the body in charge of spearheading the development of information technology in Iran, recognizes the pivotal role that innovative governance plays in accelerating the country’s growth trajectory. We understand that robust, competent government is a luxury and necessary in today’s interconnected world. Therefore, we have dedicated ourselves to facilitating e-services and deploying innovative solutions that enhance the lives of our citizens and streamline administrative processes.

Over the recent years, we have embarked on numerous initiatives aimed at fortifying our ICT infrastructure and expanding access to digital services. These efforts have culminated in implementing several transformative projects, each designed to address specific needs and challenges within our society.

One such initiative is the establishment of secure cloud infrastructure, which serves as the backbone of our digital ecosystem. This became possible by deploying Fiber Optic to Home technology, bringing high-speed internet access to even the most remote corners of our country.

Furthermore, initiatives like the National Smart Government portal (my.gov.ir) have redefined how government services are delivered, making them more accessible, efficient, and transparent. Through platforms such as the National Information Exchange Center (NIX), we have facilitated seamless communication and collaboration between government agencies, fostering a more cohesive and integrated administrative framework.

In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we have also developed specialized platforms tailored to the unique needs of various sectors. Projects such as the National Business Licensing Portal (mojavez.ir) and the smart portal for ... Land Protection (iraneland.ir) exemplify our commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and development across different industries. Establishing the concept of Government as a Platform (GaaP) as an integrated government cloud is our next crucial step toward modernizing governance, which aims at providing agility, simplicity, openness, and interoperability in the e-services delivered across the country.

Looking ahead, we are excited to embrace the transformative potential of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), which promises to revolutionize how we approach governance and service delivery. By leveraging AI-driven solutions, we aim to enhance the efficiency, responsiveness, and personalized nature of our e-services, further empowering our citizens and fueling economic growth.

This report, which is the first issue and will be published accordingly, aims to show the state of e-government services in Iran at a glance. We will happily share the experiences and best practices summarized in these reports with other countries. I would like to thank all those involved in preparing this report, especially my colleagues at the ITO for coordinating and gathering information, and the Information Technology Executive Council (ITEC) for preparing and publishing this report.

I hope by advancing the digital agenda in Iran and turning targets into action, we together harness the power of technology to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.