Abdul Wahid Fayyazi, a member of the Education, Research, and Technology Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, noted in an interview regarding the gap between university and industry that merely producing articles does not equate to producing applied science. He explained that many of the evaluations conducted in universities to measure scientific progress do not align with industrial needs and the requirements of the country.
Industry-University Connection Plan
Fayyazi stated that there is a plan under review in the parliament titled "Industry-University Connection," aimed at improving the relationship between the scientific capacities of the country and the needs of society and industry. This plan could pave the way for a more effective connection between universities and industries, thereby helping to enhance the level of scientific and technological production in the country.
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The Role of Knowledge-Based Companies in Industry
This parliament representative referred to the activities of knowledge-based companies in industrial parks, stating that these companies are currently offering innovative products. Additionally, a significant portion of the workforce in these companies consists of university graduates who are turning their scientific projects and achievements into products with real applications.
Furthermore, Fayyazi mentioned the impact of sanctions on the scientific field and knowledge-based companies, saying: "Sanctions certainly have an effect in some areas, but their impact on science and knowledge production is not as significant as in other areas." He also reminded that science is an endogenous phenomenon, and Iran has had many scientific figures and luminaries throughout its history.
Challenges in the Automotive Industry
In response to a question about the country's scientific capabilities in the automotive sector, Fayyazi announced that the challenges of this industry are not limited to scientific capability alone, and other factors are also involved. He identified poor policymaking, inadequate oversight, and self-interest as some of the influential factors affecting the existing problems in the automotive industry. According to him, not all issues can be attributed to scientific weakness or lack of technology, and attention must also be paid to other managerial and policy-related factors.
The Necessity of Reforming Evaluation Mechanisms
He concluded by emphasizing that to convert the scientific achievements of the country into the products and technologies needed by the industry, the connection between university, industry, and society must be established in a genuine and effective manner. Additionally, evaluation mechanisms and policymaking must be reformed in accordance with the needs of the country.
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