Nournews: In a world where technological capability drives development, the presence of a heavily sanctioned country among the leading scientific powers is a strategic and meaningful phenomenon. The recent ASPI report shows that the Islamic Republic of Iran, despite international restrictions and sustained scientific and industrial pressure, has managed to secure a place among the top five nations in eight key areas of the world’s sixty-four advanced technologies.
These striking figures place Iran alongside major technological powers such as China, the United States, India, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. According to the report, China leads nearly all categories; however, Iran—with an average research contribution of 2.6% to 2.8%—has surpassed several long-established scientific powers such as Japan, Germany, and France.
The first field is “Ground-Independent Networks and Infrastructure,” in which Iran ranks fourth globally after China, the U.S., and India. Iran’s research share in this area stands at 2.78%, a notable figure exceeding that of many European nations. This technology underpins future satellite communications, navigation systems, and cyber defense frameworks.a
In the field of advanced composite materials, Iran ranks fourth worldwide with a 2.78% research share, following China (27.18%), the U.S. (7.68%), and India (6.8%). This reflects strengthened research infrastructure in the country’s aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors.
In industrial coatings, Iran holds the third position globally with 2.78%, behind China and India. Coating technologies play a vital role in manufacturing components, equipment protection, and medical industries.
Iran also ranks fourth in nanomaterials and nanoscale manufacturing with a 2.64% share, following China, the U.S., and South Korea—an achievement stemming from sustained investment in nanotechnology and specialized human capital.
In smart materials, Iran shares the fifth position globally with the United Kingdom at 2.76%. This field is a core pillar of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, relevant to AI, robotics, and advanced medical systems.
In the sector of next-generation antiviral antibiotics, Iran ranks sixth with 2.76%, following China, India, the U.S., South Korea, and Egypt—evidence of rapid growth in the country’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
In biofuels, Iran stands seventh with 2.76%, reflecting increasing attention to clean and renewable energy technologies.
Finally, in air-independent propulsion systems, Iran ranks eighth globally with a 2.78% share—an area directly linked to the country’s defense and undersea capabilities, built on decades of maritime and military research.
These findings demonstrate that Iran’s policy of technological self-reliance has not only withstood sanctions but has transformed them into an opportunity for scientific advancement and the localization of high-level expertise. The combination of a young scientific workforce, capable universities, knowledge-based enterprises, and strong science–industry integration has propelled Iran forward on the global technology map.
The ASPI report is, in essence, an external confirmation of an internal reality: Iran has moved beyond the constraints of sanctions and reached a stage where science has become an instrument of national power—not derived from weaponry, but from knowledge, innovation, and self-confidence.
NOURNEWS