VP Highlights Inter-Agency Collaboration as Key to AI Advancement in Iran

According to a report by the "Government Information Portal", Dr. Mohammad Reza Aref addressed the inaugural meeting of the AI Technology Development and Application Headquarters on Wednesday, July 1st. He acknowledged Iran's substantial achievements in science and technology, while also recognizing the persistent challenges. Dr. Aref referenced the pioneering work in AI conducted by Iranian universities in the late 1980s, stressing that AI is not a novel concept for the Iranian scientific community, with significant academic contributions dating back decades. He emphasized AI's status as a cutting-edge technology with broad applications across diverse sectors.
The Vice President noted the dedicated pursuit of AI within universities and scientific institutions, such as the Academy of Sciences, where valuable work and documentation have been produced. The Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution has endorsed these efforts. He further stated that governmental and parliamentary support for AI has been consistent, enabling Iran to achieve a considerable level of expertise in the field.
Dr. Aref asserted the unanimous national consensus on prioritizing AI as a leading emerging technology that should be integrated across all sectors without exception.
Addressing the rationale behind establishing a high-level coordinating body, the Vice President explained that expert consultations and governmental commissions concluded that no single organization could adequately manage the comprehensive strategies required for AI development. He emphasized the necessity of an overarching entity to guide Iran towards regional leadership and a prominent position globally in AI. This entity would leverage academic, industrial, and defense capabilities to implement policies approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, thereby mitigating unnecessary duplication of effort.
Dr. Aref elaborated on the decision to create a high-level headquarters, led by the President or First Vice President, with the Vice President for Science and Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy serving as secretary. This structure, empowered with governmental authority, aims to foster inter-agency collaboration, formulate effective policies, and overcome the nation's lag in AI development.
The Vice President also acknowledged and commended the efforts of the AI Organization over the past several years. He stressed the importance of inviting all relevant agencies, experts, and prominent AI scientists to participate in the headquarters' activities to ensure effective progress.
Furthermore, Dr. Aref emphasized the vital role of private sector engagement, advocating for its maximum utilization at all levels. He expressed confidence in the private sector's potential to contribute significantly to AI advancement.