Overview of Iran’s Technological Standing

TEHRAN – According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Technology and Innovation Report 2025, Iran ranks 72nd among 166 countries, positioning itself within the upper middle-income category. This represents an improvement of one position since 2022.

Frontier Technologies Identified by UNCTAD

The UNCTAD report identifies 17 frontier technologies including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and renewable energy sources. The objective is to craft policies that foster an inclusive approach to technological advancement.

AI That Puts People First

The report underscores a vision of AI that prioritizes human-centric development, advocating for global collaboration and equity. The identified key areas for advancement are infrastructure, data, and skills.

Iran’s Ranking Across Various Sub-Indices

In the 2025 report, Iran excels in the research and development sub-index, achieving a world ranking of 35. However, its rankings in finance, skills, and information technology sectors have declined.

Progress in Global Innovation Index (GII)

The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 highlights improvements in Iran’s technology output and business sophistication. While the country ranks second in Central and Southern Asia, it has dropped in overall GII standings, highlighting an ongoing challenge.

Conclusion

Iran’s advancements in technology reflect a complex landscape. With persistent efforts in various technology sectors, the nation aims to increase its global competitiveness and foster inclusive innovation.