Pathology of the Policymaking cycle and Quantitative Metrics of the Knowledge-Based Economy with a focus on the Seventh Development Plan Law

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original research

Authors

1 National research institute for science policy, No. 9, Soheil St., South Shirazi St., Mollasadra Ave., Vanak Sq., Tehran, Iran.

2 Mosaheb Institute of Mathematics, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This research was conducted with the aim of pathology of the process of policy-making, implementation, and monitoring of quantitative goals in the Seventh Development Plan Law, focusing on indicators in the technology and knowledge-based economy sector. The research method is qualitative and combines library studies, analysis of upstream documents, and semi-structured interviews with experts. The findings indicate a significant gap between the quantitative goals set in Article (93) of the plan and the actual capacities of the country's innovation ecosystem. In this study, the main challenges were identified and categorized into three key areas: 1) Policy Design (lack of harmony in formulating indicators, absence of realistic expectations from the innovation ecosystem, lack of theoretical foundation in goal-setting), 2) Implementation (lack or weakness in providing a roadmap for achievement, existence of structural weaknesses), and 3) Monitoring and Evaluation (lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, lack of data collection and governance mechanisms). Analysis of the quantitative indicators in Article (93) of the plan also revealed internal inconsistencies, excessive quantitative focus, and misalignment with baseline data. By proposing strategies in all three aforementioned areas, the present study emphasizes the necessity for a realistic revision of the metrics and strengthening the linkage between policy design, implementation, and evaluation to increase the likelihood of achieving the goals of the Seventh Development Plan.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Science and Technology Policy Letters

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 June 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 January 2026
  • Revise Date: 19 March 2026
  • Accept Date: 21 March 2026

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