Afshin pointed to the implementation of the Seventh Scientific Development Plan, which included modernizing laboratories, establishing new research infrastructure in the fields of quantum, artificial intelligence, and microelectronics, and enhancing cooperation with Iranian elites residing abroad, in addition to supporting entrepreneurs and national innovation.

He explained that the new projects reflect a shift from the accumulation of knowledge to its application, with the growth of the number of knowledge-based companies and the increase in the contribution of the knowledge economy to the domestic product, noting that science has become the basis of development and national cooperation, within the framework of a plan linked to responsible innovation at the global level.

Afshin said that is an indicator Scientific growth In Iran for the year 1402, it was negative, but he considered this an opportunity for diagnosis and course correction and not evidence of failure, stressing that this diagnosis represents the beginning of a new chapter in the path of development according to the Seventh Plan.

He pointed out that the Seventh Plan aims to transform science into development and knowledge into dignity of life for citizens, and that the Ministry translated the provisions of the plan into practical projects, as the law was transformed into concrete implementation projects.

He added that support for the renewal of scientific equipment for leading research centers and universities has begun, in cooperation between the Ministries of Science and Health, with the expectation of completing the modernization of laboratories and establishing new laboratories in emerging fields. In 1403, than five laboratories and advanced industrial infrastructure were established and supported in fields such as quantum, microelectronics, and artificial intelligence, with this trend continuing.

He added that the national laboratory network has expanded to 50 universities, and 25 regional technology parks have been linked within the framework of the “Innovation Bridge” project to meet than 700 industrial needs. A national plan for artificial intelligence has also been launched in four axes: infrastructure, education, data, and practical applications, with the national processing capacity increasing from 1 petaflop to 200 petaflops over the next year with the contribution of the private sector.

Afshin confirmed that the National Center for Quantum Research has begun its work, and that three gene therapy projects have reached the clinical stage, while local smart chips are being designed. He stressed that these achievements are not just economic numbers, but rather represent a shift in the way of thinking from accumulating knowledge to applying it, and from research to publication to research to production.

Afshin concluded by saying that the Seventh Development Plan is part of the global dialogue on responsible innovation, and not just an internal program, with the aim of promoting science not only as a tool to accelerate development, but as an essential element for building a sustainable and responsible future.