Iran's Universities Play Strategic Role in Technology Development, Minister Says
Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei Sarraf highlighted the strategic importance of universities in strengthening Iran's technological capabilities and advancing its scientific development.
Speaking at a meeting of university presidents in Qom on Wednesday, he said more than 2,000 technological products were currently being developed at science and technology parks across the country.
However, Simaei Sarraf expressed concern over declining public investment in science, noting that the sector's share of the state budget had fallen from 3.3% to 2.2%.
He added that research and science funding accounted for approximately 0.23% of Iran's gross domestic product (GDP), a figure significantly below the targets set in the country's official development plans.
