Reports

Abstract In the following text, the asset declaration system for officials in Iran is critically evaluated, with a focus on the laws and regulations in this specific area, particularly the Law on the Review of Assets of Officials, Authorities, and Executors of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and its executive bylaws. It is worth noting that the existing laws and regulations in this domain, with a conservative approach, have both rendered Article 142 of the Constitution ineffective and diverted public demand for transparency regarding officials’ assets. Moreover, due to flawed legislation, these laws have failed to achieve even the minimal intended objectives. In general terms, this law constitutes a confidential system devoid of transparency, thereby rendering the officials’ asset declaration framework ineffective. The lack of enforcement mechanisms, the establishment of excessively long deadlines, and the ambiguity in the verification process of officials’ declarations are among the law’s shortcomings. However, as comparative studies indicate, merely amending these issues will not be sufficient for the law’s success. What is even more essential, beyond these measures, is to make transparency the core principle of all aspects of the asset declaration system for officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran—transparency being the cornerstone of asset declaration systems in other countries. The Information obtained under this law must be made publicly accessible, thereby enabling public participation in verifying the accuracy of the information and mobilizing public opinion as an effective enforcement mechanism to ensure the law’s implementation. After examining the relevant issues, this report ultimately offers suggestions with a minimal approach aimed at addressing existing gaps through minor amendments to the regulatory texts governing this domain.

Abstract Throughout history, human beings have created works whose values have been transmitted from generation to generation as embodiments of a nation’s identity and have thus endured as cultural heritage. Consequently, the protection and preservation of such works—being the collective property of all generations—constitute a governmental responsibility. To undertake the restoration and revitalization of the country’s cultural heritage, particularly regarding assets held by the non-governmental sector, the Fund for the Revitalization and Utilization of Historical and Cultural Sites and Buildings was established pursuant to Paragraph (Z) of Article (114) of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan Act, ratified in 2004. Subsequently, in accordance with the Law on the Protection of Artists, Master Craftsmen, and Handicraft Practitioners, enacted in 2017, the fields of handicrafts and hand-woven carpets were incorporated into the Fund’s statutory duties and authorities. Given that nearly two decades have elapsed since the establishment of the Fund, an assessment of its performance is deemed necessary. Findings indicate that the Fund’s performance with respect to Article (5) of its Statute (about duties and authorities), Article (15) (about financial resources), and the transfer of state-owned properties under its management has not been satisfactory. Of the sixteen duties stipulated in Article (5) of the Statute, ten (approximately 62 percent) remain unfulfilled, five (approximately 32 percent) have been partially fulfilled, and only one (approximately 6 percent) has been fully implemented. These figures demonstrate that approximately 94 percent of the duties specified in the Fund’s Statute have remained either unimplemented or only conditionally realized. A review of the Fund’s data concerning the restoration and utilization of state-owned historical and cultural sites between 2005 and the end of 2022 reveals that, out of 746 properties under the Fund’s ownership, 146 have been transferred, of which only 46 are currently operational (equivalent to approximately 6 percent). Accordingly, the Fund’s performance in the field of utilization of historical and cultural buildings is assessed as unsatisfactory. This situation, however, is associated with factors such as the absence of a strategic framework and required procedural guidelines, an imbalance between revenues and expenditures, and institutional conflicts with relevant entities. Furthermore, an examination of Article (15) of the Statute shows that among its seven provisions related to financial resources, only one provision—concerning the collection of rental income from historical properties—has been implemented. This indicates the Fund’s limited capacity to secure and collect its lawful revenues. Inter-agency management issues within the cultural heritage sector, internal institutional challenges, and the potential for rent-seeking, corruption, and legal disputes have been among the principal factors  affecting the Fund’s performance. To resolve cross-sectoral challenges in the field of cultural heritage protection, it is essential to amend the Law on the Protection, Restoration, and Revitalization of Historical and Cultural Fabrics (ratified in 2019) with respect to the creation and modification of new structures. Likewise, certain provisions of the Fund’s Statute-particularly those concerning network-building and the prevention of conflicts of interest- r equire revision. In addition, the ratification of the Fund’s specialized by-laws by its Board of Trustees is deemed necessary.

Abstract Property tax is one of the important tax bases widely used in various countries. Besides its high revenue-generating capacity and its impact on inflation, it can also contribute to improving tax justice and the equitable distribution of the tax burden across different income deciles. As noted in economic literature, wealth inequality is greater than income inequality in most countries. This is because one of the sources of household income comes from the returns on their assets, and a rise in wealth inequality over the long term can significantly exacerbate income inequality. Those who do not benefit from asset ownership gradually face serious income-related challenges, a situation that is especially pronounced in countries with high inflation. Annual vehicle tax is one of the common forms of property tax worldwide, applied yearly on vehicles with this objective in mind. In our country, the annual vehicle fee collected by municipalities can be considered an example of this type of tax. Moreover, in recent years, the imposition of an annual tax on luxury cars has emerged as another tax pursuing the same goal. Given the current conditions of the vehicle market in the country, this tax can serve both revenue-generating and regulatory purposes. The annual vehicle tax targets vehicles with specific characteristics, such as price, weight, and engine capacity, and applies tax rates according to defined tiers and conditions. This tax base can serve as a good complement to the annual vehicle fees because it is levied exclusively on high-value vehicles. In addition to generating revenue for the government, it also has appropriate regulatory and redistributive effects. The implementation of this tax has improved year by year, and during the first eight months of the Iranian year 1402, approximately 1,100 billion tomans were collected from this source out of the 7,000 billion tomans approved for the entire year 1402.

Abstract Transparency is one of the fundamental methods for preventing corruption and is also considered a key indicator of good governance. One dimension of transparency within governmental organizations and executive bodies is transparency in their official portals. Therefore, the legislator, in Clause “A” of Article (3) of the Law for the Promotion of Administrative Health, obligates the covered institutions to publish all laws and regulations (including approvals, instructions, circulars, bylaws, missions, and work processes, among others) on their information dissemination websites. This study examines the level of transparency in the portals of the country’s ministries concerning the extent of publication of the information mentioned in Clause “A” of Article (3) of the Law for the Promotion of Administrative Health. The results of this study indicate that although effective steps have been taken so far in publishing laws and regulations on the portals of some ministries, challenges remain in the implementation of Clause “A” of Article (3) of the Law for the Promotion of Administrative Health, such as the lack of integrated presentation of information, incomplete publication, and inaccessibility of some information.

Abstract The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), by establishing economic, security, and logistical infrastructures, has increased the inclination of Arab countries toward the normalization project with the Israeli regime and, for this reason, enjoys special support from India and the United States. Meanwhile, the North-South Transport Corridor has not been particularly attractive to India, both due to Iran’s sanction conditions and the disruption of access to Europe following the Ukraine war. India’s focus regarding this corridor has primarily been on gaining access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. However, with the events of October 7 operations, the security of the borders and ports of the occupied territories, and more broadly the existence of the Israeli regime, have faced serious challenges. Consequently, IMEC’s connection to Europe has been disrupted at least until the regional situation is resolved. Based on these developments, it appears that India is in a state of uncertainty regarding the two options of IMEC and the North-South Corridor for establishing a multi-modal connection to Europe, and under these circumstances, it has decided to simultaneously engage on both fronts — Iran and the Israeli regime. Although the “Operation Promise of Truth” managed to tilt the balance in the eyes of the Indians by lowering IMEC’s appeal and raising the North-South Corridor’s significance compared to before, expecting that this action alone has made the North-South Corridor outweigh IMEC would be unrealistic. In the present report, recommendations have been proposed to strengthen the North-South Corridor vis-à-vis IMEC, including revising the “North-South Transport Corridor” agreement and upgrading it to the “North-South Economic Belt,” which entails initiatives to create economic integration among the regional countries.

Abstract One of the most serious challenges in the urban public transportation sector is the shortage of active and high-quality bus fleets. This issue has led to reduced reliability, increased intervals between dispatches, and ultimately a decline in the number of bus passengers. The number of active buses in Tehran in 2022 has dropped to 2,784 units, representing a 55% decrease compared to 2016. Except for a limited period when the entire fleet purchase was fully funded by private sector investment in Mashhad and Tehran, no such developments have occurred in other cities. It Is recommended that by adjusting the fare charged to passengers and ensuring timely and adequate subsidies for tickets by municipalities, conditions be created for the private sector companies to participate as suppliers and operators of bus fleets. This participation should aim for 20 to 40 percent of active buses in major cities across the country to be owned and operated by the private sector within a five-year period. The 13th government has also contributed 75 to 80 percent of the funding needed to purchase 4,800 buses for the cities, of which 25 percent of the targeted fleet has been supplied so far. To meet short-term needs (6,000 units over the next three years), it is proposed that for cities with populations over 200,000, the government, in line with its legal duties under Articles (1) and (7) of the Law on Public Transport Development and Fuel Consumption Management, allocate at least 80 percent of the funds specified in Clause “a” of Article (39) of the Value-Added Tax Law in the annual budget bills for three consecutive years toward the procurement of public transportation fleets.

Abstract One of the diplomatic priorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy—particularly since the beginning of the Eleventh Parliament and the Thirteenth Administration—has been the development of stable relations with Asian countries within the framework of the broader strategy of the “Look to the East” diplomacy. A key requirement for the success of this approach is the coherence and mutual understanding among experts in official and parliamentary diplomacy regarding the concept of “the East,” as well as a thorough study of the capacities for developing balanced diplomatic relations with the legislative assemblies located within this geographical area. This need has become more evident as Asia’s role in regional developments and international relations has significantly expanded over the past decade, accompanied by a discernible “pivot to Asia” in the foreign policies of several major Asian countries. In this context, a renewed interpretation of modern parliamentary diplomacy has been initiated by the Eleventh Parliament to strengthen the Islamic Republic of Iran’s relations with Asian nations—particularly those with parliamentary systems. Another noteworthy point is that the diplomatic engagement of parliamentary factions and parties in countries with parliamentary systems has undergone a gradual process of evolution. In many Asian parliaments, part of the advancement of foreign policy objectives is pursued through negotiations conducted by faction leaders—an approach that is particularly prominent in Japan’s National Diet. Therefore, maximizing the benefits of faction-based parliamentary diplomacy within Iran’s Twelfth Parliament, with an emphasis on enhancing Asian diplomacy, can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Fourteenth Administration’s foreign policy in deepening Iran’s Asian diplomacy and its Look to the East strategy. Moreover, the growing role of female representatives in Asian parliaments—including both the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors in Japan—is another noteworthy trend, as many women parliamentarians now hold key political positions. Accordingly, the intelligent and strategic inclusion of female members with expertise in international relations within the Iran–Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Twelfth Parliament can significantly enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary diplomatic negotiations with Japan.

Abstract Governance refers to the process of directing, guiding, and steering society toward its accepted goals and values. Achieving effective governance requires the establishment of coherent systems, approaches, institutions, and instruments designed to guide and manage human communities efficiently. Within this domain, various approaches to governance have been developed, among which the concept of soft governance has gained increasing attention. Soft governance emphasizes the use of instruments and mechanisms that rely on the human and behavioral dimensions of various actors in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of policies and regulations within the governance framework. At present, the national governance system is facing a range of challenges, including the proliferation of numerous and, in some cases, ineffective laws, low administrative productivity, and similar structural inefficiencies. Furthermore, the effectiveness of traditional tools—such as conventional legislation, hierarchical control, criminalization, and command-and-control or judicial approaches—has significantly declined. In this context, modernization of the governance and legislative system has become a necessity for addressing these challenges. The application of soft instruments, by fostering voluntary, participatory, regulatory, and norm-based activities that are adapted to local contexts, can contribute to more effective and efficient implementation of policies and decisions. This report aims to conceptualize and examine the role of soft instruments in governance, identify their treatment and relevance in the academic and policy literature, and highlight the importance and necessity of adopting such tools to enhance the legislative system. Accordingly, it provides policy recommendations to support the effective utilization of these instruments in improving governance and legislative performance.

Abstract Having a timely and accurate picture of the real sector’s condition is critically important for economic decision-making. However, similar to most countries worldwide, in Iran the first estimates of the economic growth for a given quarter are released at least three months after the end of that quarter. For example, policymakers’ most recent information about the real sector by the end of winter usually pertains to the summer quarter of that year. To address this challenge, in the macroeconomic literature, frameworks have been developed for nowcasting the current state of the economy and the real sector. These nowcasting frameworks aim to estimate the country's economic growth as quickly as possible using high-frequency and timely data—often monthly—that are readily available. In this context, by utilizing available monthly data and nowcasting models, the value added of major economic activities and the economic growth for the previous and current quarters can be estimated. This report will enable the provision of a timely picture of the status of Iran’s real sector on a monthly basis, allowing the economic growth of each quarter to be estimated at least three months earlier than the official statistics released by the Central Bank of Iran and the Statistical Center of Iran. A comparison of the Research Center of the Iranian Parliament’s estimates of the country’s economic growth (including oil) indicates an 87% co-movement with the corresponding figures from the quarterly national accounts of the Central Bank and the Statistical Center. The estimates of the value added in major economic sectors also show high accuracy. It is expected that the publication of this report and the monthly reports that will follow will provide a more timely picture of Iran’s real sector compared to the quarterly national accounts from the Central Bank and the Statistical Center, thereby offering valuable information to esteemed members of Parliament, policymakers, and researchers across the country.

Abstract Chapter Three of the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities addresses “Health, Medical, and Rehabilitation Services” in two articles (6) and (7). Due to the importance of this topic, this report evaluates the implementation of the provisions set forth in this chapter. The results of the present study regarding Article (6), which pertains to health insurance in the fields of physical and mental medical and rehabilitation services, indicate that although approximately 72% of persons with disabilities have been identified to utilize the services specified in this article, this figure accounts for only half of all registered persons with disabilities in the country as of 2022. Therefore, the law lacks the comprehensiveness required to ensure universal coverage for all persons with disabilities. Moreover, only about 53% of those insured have actually benefited from the services outlined in the article. Additionally, of the total expenditures allocated for the services under Article (6), only 3% have been spent on rehabilitation services, which is far from fulfilling the legislator’s intended objectives in this provision. According to the findings concerning the implementation of Article (7), to date, only 18% of eligible individuals under this article have received nursing care benefits, leaving a large portion of entitled beneficiaries deprived of their legal rights. Furthermore, based on the calculations made, the nursing care benefits currently paid cover only 20% of the actual costs required for nursing and care of persons with disabilities in institutions. On the other hand, regarding Note 2 of Article (7), which concerns extending the provisions of this article to elderly persons with disabilities, it appears that due to ambiguity in the wording of the law, this provision has remained unimplemented in practice.

Abstract The purpose of this report is to examine the status of small sector-specific pension funds in the country from the perspective of key indicators and to provide recommendations for their future. For this purpose, the conditions of pension funds for the oil industry, steel industry, bank employees, Ayandehsaz, Tehran Municipality, lawyers, ports and maritime, and mining sectors have been reviewed. Subsequently, based on the findings of this report, previous studies, and discussions with experts, the most significant challenges facing these funds have been analyzed. Finally, policy recommendations are offered to improve the management and organization of small pension funds, considering the various challenges they face. The results of the present study indicate that although small sector-specific pension funds in Iran do not share a uniform situation and each has its own specific conditions, certain common macro-level policies can help improve their status. These include, among others, the establishment of a basic pension fund, positioning sector-specific funds as part of the second tier, and strengthening regulatory institutions. At the same time, it is necessary to require sector-specific pension funds to submit actuarial reports and standardized annual reports.

Abstract Determining Acceptable Expenses and Deductions, and Their Amounts, is One of the Key Aspects in Designing Income Tax on Total Income. This report discusses the nature, rationale, and methods of acceptable expenses and deductions, as well as their types, based on theoretical foundations and global experiences. According to the research findings, acceptable expenses and deductions are a form of tax relief aimed at objectives such as alleviating the tax burden on the poor, ensuring vertical equity and greater equality in society, and encouraging certain activities (such as charitable donations). It is essential, in line with theoretical principles and global practices, to amend the direct tax law in a way that, while imposing tax on total income through the integration of separate tax bases, takes into account deductions and acceptable expenses related to the individual’s or household’s living conditions.

Abstract Statistics on university performance in recent years indicate a discrepancy between “conducting need-oriented, demand-driven, or problem-solving research” and “maintaining and enhancing the country’s scientific standing and international reputation.” Achieving the 15^th global rank in scientific publications compared to the 121^st rank in the sub-index of industry collaboration, along with the decline in faculty members’ per capita income and engagement with industry, are among the indicators of this imbalance. There are multiple reasons for this discrepancy, including inefficiencies in the higher education financing system, structural issues in the institutional mapping of the national innovation system, and the limited contribution of the knowledge-based economy to national income and economic development. One key contributing factor is the faculty performance evaluation system, which focuses primarily on publishing academic research papers, with limited consideration for the diversity of faculty members’ capabilities, the inherent differences among academic disciplines, and the wide range of missions across various higher education subsystems. Based on conducted assessments and international experiences, it is proposed to diversify promotion pathways, enabling advancement through both “theoretical and citation-based research” and “problem-oriented research addressing national needs,” thereby shifting from quantitative to qualitative evaluation models. Furthermore, to implement the resolution titled “Determining the Governing Principles for Revising the Regulations on the Academic Promotion of Faculty Members in Universities and Higher Education, Research, and Technology Institutions” (approved in sessions 894 and 895 dated January 16 and February 10, 2024, by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution), the present report offers a set of practical recommendations under the following headings: Completion of the composition of promotion committees Targeted regulation and special provisions for institutions Revision of related by-laws influenced by the promotion regulations A proposed table for problem-oriented research Minimum recommended scores required for promotion through the problem-oriented pathway

Abstract The Ministry of Interior is one of the most important ministries in the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The significance of such a ministry necessitates a thorough study of its historical background, identification of its current status (competencies, structure, and duties), and a comparative analysis with other countries to develop a practical and objective model. The present report is based on inquiries regarding the legal and statutory position, competencies, and duties of the Ministry of Interior of South Korea. The research findings indicate that the position of the Ministry of Interior is defined in the “Government Organization Act,” and the ministry’s competencies revolve around coordinating and supporting local governments, disaster management, administration of governmental affairs, and civil services. The Ministry of Interior of Korea is formed based on the principles of decentralization and local self-governance, which are closely linked to modern public administration. In the field of government administration and civil services, the ministry plays a leading role through active management and the implementation of digital and open government. Overall, considering the list of duties and its areas of competence, the Ministry of Interior of South Korea does not have a political or security nature. The examination of the Ministry’s competencies reveals its role as an intermediary between the government and citizens; this ministry mediates both at the central and local government levels and provides grounds for citizens’ oversight and participation in decision-making and execution processes. Therefore, the greatest responsibility for achieving participatory democracy in South Korea lies with its Ministry of Interior.

Abstract The draft amendment to Article 38 of the Internal Regulations of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, registered under number 32 during the twelfth term, has been officially received and referred to the Internal Regulations Committee. This committee, after making some amendments, has approved the draft.

Abstract In recent years, we have witnessed the expansion of distributed ledger technology and the cryptocurrency industry, which have brought transformations to various sectors, particularly the financial industry. The widespread use of crypto-assets and challenges such as threats to monetary sovereignty, speculative trading, hacking and security issues, money laundering, financing of terrorism, and similar concerns highlight the need for an optimized legal and regulatory framework to govern this category of digital assets. Such a framework is also essential to harness the potential of crypto-assets and distributed ledger technology for enhancing efficiency in payments, investments, financing, and more. Legislators and regulators in different countries have adopted diverse approaches to evaluating how to regulate crypto-assets. Some have taken a stringent stance, attempting to ban all or part of the activities related to this domain. Others have adopted a cautious approach by enacting regulations aimed at further examination and assessment of regulatory outcomes. Meanwhile, some have viewed the matter optimistically and, in some cases, recognized all or part of the activities in this field through legislation. This report, by examining the approaches of eight countries—UAE, USA, UK, China, Russia, Qatar, Canada, and India—seeks to portray a spectrum of global responses to these emerging phenomena. It also aims to clarify the most important considerations of foreign regulators regarding this domain for domestic legislators and regulators by presenting global experiences.

Abstract Restoring Islam to the sphere of social life and making it the central axis of social systems was one of the main objectives of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. With the establishment of the Islamic Republic, specific mechanisms were envisioned to achieve this goal, various policies were formulated, and multiple organizations were founded. However, it is evident that policymaking in the field of religion and religious propagation, like any other domain, requires continuous evaluation of the current situation, a critical review of existing policies, and a clear depiction of the desired state based on the country’s higher-level cultural policy documents. Accordingly, the present report evaluates the overall performance of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s policymaking in the religious domain at two levels: public religiosity and the performance of religious institutions. The report identifies several major challenges, including changes in patterns of religiosity, the expansion of religious subcultures, the gap between the actions of certain policymakers and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, institutional accumulation within the religious sphere, the weakness of a central policymaking authority in religious affairs, inadequate oversight of active organizations in this field, and ambiguity regarding the legal status of religious institutions. Ultimately, the report concludes that the absence of a coherent theoretical framework for policymaking in the religious domain constitutes the root cause of the existing challenges. Therefore, by examining both global models of cultural policymaking and indigenous approaches, the report selects the model of “Cultural Guidance” as the most appropriate framework. Based on this model, it proposes the following recommendations for improvement: Redesigning the structure of religious institutions based on the fundamental principles of national cultural policy; Strengthening the macro-level policymaking role of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution in religious affairs; Clarifying the legal status of religious organizations; Developing an “Atlas of Iranian Religiosity”; Defining precise evaluation indicators consistent with the Cultural Guidance approach; Establishing effective and efficient oversight mechanisms for related organizations.

Abstract Compliance with the law by the people is one of the essential requirements for effective governance and has always been a concern for policymakers and legislators. Meanwhile, people vary in their commitment to and adherence to the law, and numerous factors influence the degree of law-abiding behavior. Legal socialization, meaning the internalization of the value of law-abiding and acting accordingly, as well as the formation of a positive attitude toward the law, has consistently attracted the attention of politicians. However, within policy studies and related scientific fields, this area has received limited focus. By accurately identifying the factors affecting the formation of attitudes toward the law, more effective interventions can be designed in this domain. Therefore, in this study, through a literature review, an overview of the field of legal socialization has been conducted, and topics are presented in various sections including definitions, fundamental characteristics, theoretical approaches, factors influencing socialization, the socialization process, and some case studies from around the world. Ultimately, the role of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) in this field is clarified, and recommendations are provided for the legislative authority aimed at enhancing the legitimacy of lawmaking, public education from childhood and adolescence, engagement with members of parliament as one of the high legal authorities, and raising public awareness.

Abstract In June 2024, the production index and sales index of listed industrial companies recorded respective decreases of 2.1% and 2.8% compared with the same month of the previous year. Compared with the previous month, these indices declined by 4.2% and 2.6%, respectively. In the automotive and parts manufacturing sector, the production and sales indices decreased by 5.3% and 21.1%, respectively, compared with the same month of the previous year. Compared with the previous month, the production index increased by 8.7%, while the sales index declined by 3.2%. In the basic metals sector, the production and sales indices fell by 3.7% and 2.9%, respectively, compared with the same month of the previous year. On a month-to-month basis, the production and sales indices decreased by 8.2% and 7.1%, respectively. In June 2024, the monthly growth rate of industrial price indices for listed companies increased by 1.5%. The year-over-year (point-to-point) growth rate, however, declined by 2.7 percentage points from the previous month, reaching 20.8%. It is noteworthy that the annual average growth of the industrial price index for listed companies in June 2024 rose by 1.3 percentage points compared with the previous month, recording an overall increase of 21.8%.

Abstract The “Law on the Dissemination and Free Access to Information,” enacted in 2008 (1387), aims to grant citizens the legal right to freely access data held by public organizations and private entities providing public services. The present study analyzes and diagnoses this law. The results indicate a range of legal challenges, including ambiguities within the text of the law, weak enforcement guarantees, disproportionate composition of the commission members, and a lack of efficient accountability due to security, economic (trade secrets), and social restrictions related to each of the covered institutions. Additionally, there are executive challenges such as the improper placement of the executive secretariat, failure to hold meetings and follow up on the commission’s resolutions, lack of public training for the covered institutions, the publication of unused data externally for the general public, inefficient data management and governance at the organizational level, low public awareness, and weaknesses in the related system. The report proposes several recommendations, including the establishment of precise supervisory mechanisms within the covered organizations, providing performance evaluation feedback to supervisory bodies and follow-up on the status, introducing violator and non-compliant institutions and their heads to the judiciary, and predicting penalties such as imprisonment and dismissal from public service for dereliction in law enforcement. Other suggestions include repositioning the secretariat of the commission within a more appropriate institution, revising the composition of the commission members, launching a consulting center within the executive secretariat, increasing public awareness about the law, defining a clear structure for referral of requests within each organization, and updating the dissemination and free access to information system.

Abstract The protection and preservation of cultural heritage in Iran has always been under the jurisdiction of the government. While the governmental authority over cultural heritage—which constitutes a significant part of public culture and public rights—offers numerous benefits, it has, at the same time, diminished the role and participation of the people, who are the primary rightful stakeholders of this heritage, in its preservation. Consequently, the vast potential of public involvement to enhance the protection of cultural heritage through cooperation and partnership with the government remains largely untapped. One of the key reasons for this shortcoming appears to be that Iranian laws have neither anticipated nor institutionalized the rights and responsibilities of the people in the protection of cultural heritage. Instead, the only responsibility assigned to the public is to refrain from committing cultural heritage-related crimes. On the other hand, the main responsibility in this regard has been solely placed on the government, and even more specifically, on a single governmental body, namely the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts. Given the disproportion between the limited resources and allocated budget and the vast number and importance of the country’s cultural and historical assets, this ministry faces serious constraints and is often incapable of fulfilling its numerous duties. It is worth noting that the domain of natural heritage suffers from an even more significant legislative gap compared to cultural heritage and is, in fact, devoid of comprehensive laws regarding its protection by the government. This report, while examining some existing grounds for the possibility of public participation in the protection of both cultural and natural heritage -including Articles 30 and 50 of the Constitution and Article 66 of the Code of Criminal Procedure-recommends establishing a structure or mechanism for cooperation and partnership between the government and the people in cultural heritage protection. This should be realized within the framework of policymaking and the enactment of a new law, as well as the amendment of other existing legal provisions, such as those in the Islamic Penal Code. It is essential that in future policy and legal documents, the rights, responsibilities, and roles of the people in protecting cultural heritage, as well as the methods of collaboration with the public sector, be clearly defined. This should be done while affirming the public’s right to demand accountability and supervise governmental performance, in line with the concept of public rights. Additionally, the duties of all governmental and non-governmental public institutions in this regard must be explicitly clarified.

Abstract In 2017, the Administrative and Recruitment Organization of the country issued a directive regarding the evaluation and development of the general competencies of professional managers to executive agencies. Since then, assessment centers have been incorporated into the country’s administrative system. Although the objective of establishing these assessment centers was to promote meritocracy within the administrative system, challenges in the implementation process have caused the assessment centers to fall short of expectations in enhancing merit-based practices. Some of these challenges stem from the scientific weaknesses of the competency model designed by the Administrative and Recruitment Organization, which, instead of developing evaluation standards, created a single general competency model applicable to all positions across all executive agencies. The most significant challenge during the implementation phase has been the excessive scope of competency evaluations for professional managers. Accordingly, the directive concerning the assessment centers, due to its extensive dimensions, posed a difficult obligation for the administrative system, which lacked sufficient scientific and operational capacity for its fulfillment. Therefore, to improve the quality of evaluations and the optimal establishment of assessment centers within the administrative system, proposals have been made for the short, medium, and long term. Among these proposals are the design of combined methods and tools for evaluating employees of executive agencies, rather than relying solely on the assessment center tools for managerial appointments. Additionally, it has been suggested that the exclusive privileges of the Public Management Training Center in evaluating middle and senior managers be revoked, and that this center, in the role of a regulator, focus on organizing professional competency exams for evaluators and ranking evaluation institutions.

Abstract The size of government is one of the most significant topics in academic and political circles, as it stems from the government’s role and extent of intervention. In recent decades, with the emergence of the minimal state theory and the New Public Management approach—and in line with many other countries—the issue of reducing the scope and size of government has gained attention in Iran as well. This approach has also been reflected in Chapter 23 of the Seventh Development Plan Bill, where specific provisions have been proposed in this regard. However, there is no consensus on whether the size of the government in Iran is actually large. Consequently, the prescription of numerous and often similar provisions for downsizing the government has frequently faced opposition from policymakers and executive agencies. In view of the existing research gap, this report examines the size of government in Iran—both before and after the Islamic Revolution—and compares it with several other countries using indicators such as the ratio of public expenditures to gross domestic product (GDP), the number of public sector employees, and the expansion of governmental structures and organizations.

Abstract The “Unified Land Management Window System” project is one of the 23 priority e-government initiatives. Its main objective is to prevent land-related corruption and to streamline the provision of services in the land and construction sectors. The project Is managed by the Forest, Range, and Watershed Management Organization, in cooperation with the Headquarters for Combating Economic Corruption, the Information Technology Organization, and under the supervision of the Ministry of Intelligence, which jointly undertake the necessary actions to advance the project. At present, the public access portal for applicants and the land monitoring subsystem are operational, offering only 8 services and 9 types of inquiries. Although various legal obligations have been assigned to the relevant agencies to cooperate and complete the system, the project’s progress has not met expectations due to the misconduct or negligence of some agencies, often justified by various pretexts. This report recommends that, in the short term, the existing legal frameworks-such as the National Data and Information Management Act-be utilized under the supervision of the Headquarters for Combating Economic Corruption to compel agencies to cooperate and provide the necessary data to the system within a defined timeframe. In the medium term, it is advised that agencies revise their internal systems and establish online connections with the Unified Land Management Window to enable real-time responses to inquiries. Furthermore, given the multitude and diversity of existing laws and regulations in the field of land management, as well as significant legal gaps, it is proposed that, in the long term, a comprehensive Land Management Law be drafted and enacted. Under this comprehensive legal framework, an integrated and unified national land management system should be developed.

Abstract Nowadays, administrative integrity is considered the key to the survival of organizations. Administrative integrity is a concept that stands in opposition to administrative corruption; therefore, any action taken to prevent and combat administrative corruption is an effort to promote administrative integrity. According to the “Law for the Promotion of Administrative Integrity and Combating Corruption,” committees for promoting administrative integrity have been established within each executive body (including ministries, affiliated organizations and companies, and organizations under the supervision of the Vice Presidents) to prevent and combat corruption. Despite the potential capacity of these committees, their performance reveals various gaps at legislative, regulatory, and executive levels. Hence, a precise and comprehensive diagnosis is necessary to develop appropriate policy and legislative solutions. This study aims to assess the performance and analyze the challenges of the committees for promoting administrative integrity, and to propose solutions to enhance their operational efficiency. A policy recommendation of this report is to incorporate the provisions of the “Regulations for Systematic and Sustainable Prevention and Combating of Economic Corruption in the Executive Branch,” after necessary amendments, into the provisions of the “Law for the Promotion of Administrative Integrity and Combating Corruption.” This measure would increase transparency and accountability of the relevant bodies, enhance the oversight capacity of the Islamic Consultative Assembly over the law’s implementation process, and resolve ambiguities arising from the drafting of various regulations and instructions.

Abstract Governance activism across various domains-strategic, legislative, supervisory, and operational-requires careful attention to social construction and the consequences of such behaviors. This critical understanding can be achieved through the evaluation of the government’s past actions. In recent years, the social capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran has experienced both positive and negative changes due to various events. Identifying and comprehending the incidents that have contributed to the improvement and enhancement of the government’s social capital is valuable for increasing social hope and modeling the repetition of similar governmental behaviors. The “Sincere Promise” operation is among the significant and historic decisions that led to the increase of social capital for the government in various dimensions. This report, as a continuation of a series of social capital monitoring reports on governance, demonstrates how strategic decisions and their intelligent implementation can, while signaling strength to foreign adversaries, simultaneously garner the support and trust of the domestic population and society.

Abstract Today, information and communication technology (ICT) is among the key tools utilized to optimize and enhance processes and actions across various sectors of governance. The present report focuses on the monitoring and evaluation process of the 23 priority e-government projects approved by the Cabinet on April 11, 2018 (1397/01/22 in the Iranian calendar), which remained under implementation until 2023 (1402). In the 26^th session of the Executive Council of Information Technology in 2023, new priorities, referred to as “Smart Government Leading Projects,” were introduced as the new agenda for the e-government domain. It is evident that analyzing the challenges of monitoring the former e-government priority projects can serve as a valuable approach for designing a more effective monitoring mechanism to track future initiatives in this field. The Issues identified in this process include: Presentation of challenges unrelated to the projects by responsible organizations to contractors; Misalignment between the proposed solutions and the actual challenges raised by the responsible organizations; Complexity in project supervision due to self-reporting of progress by the implementing entities; the large number of national projects and the consequent impossibility of overseeing all of them; lack of awareness among many stakeholder organizations regarding their assigned duties; weaknesses in the monitoring system for the 23 priority e-government projects; overlap of supervisory and executive roles in the monitoring process of government agencies involved in these projects; failure to observe the proper sequencing or prerequisite relationships among certain projects; lack of periodic review and revision of projects; non-involvement of the Plan and Budget Organization as the financial oversight authority; and failure to announce the cessation of updates to the monitoring system after the official end of the monitoring period.

Abstract

Abstract According to the Law on the Objectives and Duties of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, enacted in 2020, public sports is a broad and inclusive concept that encompasses all sports disciplines aimed at ensuring public health and vitality. Therefore, the realization of public sports requires intersectoral synergy, which depends on adequate financial provision. Based on the aforementioned law, about half of the legal duties of the Ministry of Sports and Youth in the sports sector pertain to public sports. Hence, the focus of this report is on evaluating the performance of public sports funding within the Ministry of Sports and Youth during the years 2021, 2022, and 2023. A review of the sports-related provisions in the Sixth Development Plan law reveals that only Article 94 (regarding 0.27% of the total 9% value-added tax) explicitly directs the development of sports (including school sports, public sports, international federations of traditional sports such as Zurkhaneh and Pahlevani wrestling, rural and nomadic sports, women’s sports, and sports infrastructure, especially in the domain of the disabled and veterans). Other provisions lack clear direction, and none specify the manner of expenditure of allocated credits. Therefore, lawmakers must pay particular attention to the orientation of provisions and the method of budget spending when drafting and enacting laws. Generally, an examination of the annual budget laws for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 in the sports domain, especially public sports, shows that the provisions lack clear guidance. In some cases, sports funding has been conditional on the drafting of regulations. Furthermore, reviewing some important items related to Article 73 (concerning cigarette and tobacco taxes) and Article 94 (regarding 0.27% of the total 9% value-added tax) of the Sixth Development Plan indicates that some clauses of these articles were removed from annual budget laws following the approval of Article 55 of the Value-Added Tax Law on 2021/05/23. Given the significant amounts allocated from these legal sources, the existence of such provisions is effective in advancing sports development, particularly public sports. Thus, it is recommended that these legal provisions concerning cigarette and tobacco taxes, and the 0.27% share of the 9% value-added tax, which play a significant role in the growth and development of public sports, be reinstated in higher-level legislation. Since some clauses and notes explicitly refer to public sports, and considering that public sports is a broad concept covering all social groups—with accessibility (sports per capita) being a key aspect—this report has attempted to include budget items related to the development of urban and rural sports facilities within the scope of public sports funding, while excluding some items whose primary usage is not public sports. Overall, the evaluation of budget performance in the public sports sector indicates a lack of serious attention and inadequate allocations. For example, in the 2021 budget, realization rates were 10% and 52%; in 2022, 31% and 56%; and in 2023 (up to the end of February 2023), 30% and 11% for current expenditures and capital asset acquisition, respectively, reflecting unsatisfactory budgetary performance in the development and growth of public sports. On average, the realization rate has been below 40% in both current and capital expenditure categories over these three years, demonstrating the unfavorable state of public sports financing with no clear positive budgetary trend over this period. Insufficient oversight by relevant authorities, shortcomings in the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s planning, and weak comprehensive advocacy for fund collection can be considered primary reasons for the poor performance of public sports funding within the ministry. Therefore, it is imperative that the Cultural Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) exercise special supervision over the legal duties of the Ministry of Sports and Youth. Additionally, based on the findings mentioned in this report, the allocation of public sports funding to federations and provincial Departments of Sports and Youth over these three years has not followed a consistent pattern. Moreover, the allocation and supervision of budgets provided to federations for publicizing sports lack appropriate mechanisms and transparency. Therefore, it is necessary for the Article 90 Commission to demand detailed reports on the budget performance allocated to public sports by the Ministry of Sports and Youth during 2021 to 2023 for program evaluation and damage assessment.

Abstract Social security, as one of humanity’s achievements, was established to support individuals in a society against social risks and events such as unemployment, death, disability, retirement, and others. More broadly, social security is the protection of individuals’ welfare in society against economic and health-related contingencies and hazards. Principles such as comprehensiveness, universality, sustainability, equality, solidarity, and social justice in pension funds are recognized both internationally and nationally. Therefore, it must be stated that the emergence of discrimination in the legislative and executive processes of social insurance is incompatible and contradictory with its fundamental principles and objectives. The present study, which aims to identify and examine discrimination within the pension system, through monitoring and analyzing key discriminatory issues, found that these issues primarily stem from a lack of coordination and cohesion among fragmented pension funds, as well as the absence of an independent and centralized regulatory body for the funds. Such a regulator could prevent overlapping and conflicting external legislation by the parliament and government and hinder discriminatory self-regulation within the funds themselves. In this research, a broad range of documents, laws, and prior studies were reviewed, and several interviews with experts in the field were conducted to collect data and refine the findings. The results indicate that the country’s pension system suffers from various forms of discrimination-both intra-fund and inter-fund-which are partly exogenous and partly endogenous. The findings suggest that addressing the identified discriminations can, more effectively than the solutions currently discussed in policy and media spheres, resolve the crisis and enhance the financial sustainability of the pension funds.

Abstract Generative Artificial Intelligence is a branch of artificial intelligence that creates new content such as images, text, music, or speech based on existing data. It has numerous potential applications, including personalizing experiences, generating realistic simulations, providing responses and decisions to users, and facilitating processes and tasks across various fields. The capability of this AI branch to produce new content that did not previously exist, and to enter the realm of creativity-once considered a uniquely human trait-has intensified the challenges and risks associated with the development of artificial intelligence, especially in the domain of generative AI. Therefore, the attention of policymakers and legislators toward regulating artificial intelligence in general, alongside addressing the specific characteristics of generative AI, significantly influences the development landscape of this field. Research findings indicate that establishing stable and secure technical infrastructures-such as the use of synthetic data, transfer learning, bias mitigation techniques, cloud computing, and distributed systems-can effectively reduce challenges related to data security, privacy, transparency, accuracy and reliability of results, as well as computational costs. Furthermore, managing the potential risks of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, with the aim of mitigating social challenges arising from its application, requires the completion or creation of legal and regulatory frameworks related to data (including privacy laws, multi-dimensional data management, and data rights), the development of responsible AI principles and regulations emphasizing ethical use, and enhancing digital literacy across society—especially among vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, low-literacy individuals, and the elderly.

Abstract The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in income generation, employment creation, and achieving food security. One of the most fundamental factors influencing the performance of this sector is the marketing of agricultural products. The marketing system plays a vital role in the timely and appropriate supply of quality products and in creating adequate income for producers. Therefore, challenges related to this system jeopardize the interests of both producers and consumers and disrupt the establishment of food security. One of the main factors creating challenges in the marketing system of agricultural products is the presence of unnecessary intermediaries and their unfair share of the value chain. This policy report, through a study of global experiences, presents various models for shortening the supply chain and eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. In this regard, the implementation of 19 models in 14 different countries around the world has been examined. The results indicate that leading countries, emphasizing increased benefits for farmers-especially smallholders-have adopted innovative and efficient approaches such as direct sales at farms, farmers’ markets, farm-to-consumer models (product baskets), consumer-driven initiatives (community-supported agriculture and collective purchasing groups), cooperatives and agricultural organizations, as well as the use of digital platforms and e-commerce. Using lessons learned from these models, this report outlines essential guidelines and key requirements for designing a transformative program for the agricultural product market in the country, with a focus on the benefit of smallholder farmers and related evaluation criteria. It also offers recommendations for realizing inclusive and sustainable agricultural product markets in the country. Ultimately, it is proposed that a market development action plan for farmers, aimed at eliminating unnecessary intermediaries, be formulated and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad in cooperation with other relevant agencies and organizations.

Abstract In addition to its legislative duties, the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) is responsible for overseeing the proper Implementation of laws by the government. Oversight, if not considered more important than legislation, is certainly no less significant, as evaluation-or more precisely, assessment-is the prerequisite for legislation. Until the effects of the implementation of existing laws related to a legislative domain are measured, the absence of appropriate laws is not confirmed, and the impacts of a new law on legal, economic, social, environmental, and other systems are not evaluated, enacting any new law is a mistake. Such a law not only increases the regulatory burden but also contributes to the emergence of new problems. The Research Center, as the scientific and research arm of the Parliament, has accepted a dual research role in accordance with the Parliament’s legislative and oversight functions, a role which is clearly stated in the Center’s mandate. For this reason, in recent years, significant studies on the subject of legislative impact assessment have been conducted within this scientific institution. This research, while acknowledging the valuable scientific findings of the Research Center’s previous studies and benefiting from some of their implications, attempts to clarify the evaluation process within the Research Center and proposes three recommendations to improve this process: First, attention should be paid to the regulatory burden in the area where legislation is intended, to conduct a preliminary assessment; second, emphasis should be placed on problem structuring to carry out an ex-ante evaluation; and third, for ex-post evaluation, a method of evaluation independent of the objective should be employed. Undoubtedly, the realization of these recommendations depends on the establishment of an institution within the Research Center, which we have named the Regulatory Evaluation Working Group

Abstract Smart contracts are computer programs that automatically execute the terms of an agreement between parties once certain conditions are met. These contracts serve as an alternative to traditional contracts by eliminating the need for manual processing and reducing administrative costs. Smart contracts mitigate transaction risks, enable transactions between untrusted parties without the need for intermediaries, and automate the fulfillment of contractual obligations. This capability can simplify and enhance the efficiency of governmental processes. The advantages of smart contracts have led to their application across diverse and broad sectors such as banking, insurance, energy, real estate, healthcare, financial management, and similar fields. Several countries, including Switzerland, the United States, the European Union, Estonia, Chile, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, Indonesia, Sweden, Dubai, Ukraine, India, Georgia, and Venezuela, are considered pioneers in various applications of smart contracts. Given the considerable potential of the private sector and the extensive expertise of professionals in our country, the time is ripe to harness the benefits of smart contract technology in both governmental and non-governmental sectors. As a new institutional technology, smart contracts are primarily related to the laws and regulations of countries. Once a smart contract is deployed and executed, it cannot be easily modified or reversed. This contrasts with traditional contracts, which can be amended or terminated upon the parties’ agreement. Generally, there may be some challenges in applying existing legal principles to smart contracts; however, based on the results of domestic and international studies, the current legal framework of the country appears sufficiently robust and adaptable for legal smart contracts. Nevertheless, gradual and case-by-case amendments to certain laws related to smart contracts may be necessary.

Abstract With the emergence and development of cyberspace, and the inevitable interweaving of all aspects of life with this new domain, societies are experiencing a transformation in the integrated paradigm of their epistemological systems. This process disrupts the previous order of the social system and gives rise to various forms of disorder across different dimensions of social life. From a holistic perspective, the disorders of cyberspace can be identified at the epistemic and institutional levels, and within the framework of the National Information Network architecture, which encompasses infrastructure, content, and services. These disorders can be analyzed by identifying the variables and their dynamic interrelations within the framework of system dynamics. Accordingly, the variables identified in this report are grouped into four main clusters: Pressure from media inefficiency; 2. Pressure from inappropriate content production; 3. Opportunities for data utilization; and 4. Pressure from data governance inefficiency. The explanation of the system dynamics model of cyberspace disorders begins with the key or leverage variable of “presence in cyberspace,” and gradually elaborates the other variables within the four clusters. Understanding the complexities of cyberspace disorders through a systems thinking approach—focused on the dynamics of variables, their chains of interactions and mutual influences, and their relations with other systemic dynamics—can help identify the fundamental structures and patterns underlying the disorderly state of cyberspace, as well as guide actions aimed at addressing its problems. In this approach, the identified variables and their interrelations form a structure that serves as the basis for policymaker intervention, representing in effect a structural reform of the decision-making process itself.

Abstract The Social Protection section of Iran’s Sixth Five-Year Development Plan reflects the state of social policy-making in the country during the latter half of the 2010s. In this report, four key areas-health and medical services, housing, employment, social assistance, and rehabilitation-have been identified as the principal domains related to social protection, consistent with the prevailing academic literature in this field. Social insurance, as another essential component of the national welfare system, has been assessed separately in an independent report. In total, twenty (20) provisions relevant to the aforementioned four domains can be identified across various chapters of the Sixth Development Plan. The findings of this study indicate that attention to different areas of welfare and social protection, recognition of the diversity of target groups’ needs, and the measurability of policy outcomes are among the plan’s strengths. Conversely, the lack of comprehensive, specialized services tailored to the specific needs of target groups represents a key weakness in terms of legislative quality. An evaluation of the performance of executive agencies shows that in the areas of employment and pension payments to beneficiaries, the program’s objectives have been satisfactorily achieved. The healthcare sector has demonstrated relatively favorable progress in screening programs, while rehabilitation services have been implemented at a moderate level. However, the provisions related to supportive housing, education, and service delivery to specific vulnerable groups- including female-headed households, children in need, individuals with chronic mental illnesses, and the elderly-have performed poorly compared to the targets set in the plan. Ultimately, it appears that the population targeted by social protection programs, influenced by the country’s economic conditions during the 2010s, did not sufficiently benefit from the social services envisioned in the Sixth Development Plan to overcome livelihood crises. Therefore, these groups remain in need of specialized support programs to ensure their social welfare and economic security.

Abstract The significant applications of nuclear technology in various fields-such as energy, medicine, industry, and agriculture-necessitate careful attention to this technology and the issues associated with it. One of the most important subjects in utilizing and expanding the applications of nuclear technology is the management of radioactive waste, which requires planning, legislation, and practical measures. A large portion of nuclear technology applications inevitably results in the generation of radioactive waste. If such waste is not properly managed, it can pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Radioactive waste is classified into different categories based on its level of hazard, and the management approach varies depending on the type of waste. Given that the Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted the peaceful use of nuclear technology as part of its national agenda, planning for the safe management of radioactive waste is essential. In light of existing legal gaps in the field of radioactive waste management in the country, this report outlines the main legislative requirements related to this issue. These include strategic goal-setting for the development of the national nuclear industry, defining the principal strategies for radioactive waste disposal methods, establishing an independent regulatory authority for nuclear safety, and criminalizing actions that disrupt or compromise radioactive waste management.

Abstract The Ministry of Interior is one of the most important ministries of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The significance of such a ministry necessitates a comprehensive study of its historical background, identification of its current situation (including its jurisdiction, structure, and responsibilities), and a comparative analysis with similar ministries in other countries in order to develop a practical and effective model. In this regard, the present report examines the structure and organization of the Ministry of the Interior of South Korea. The findings indicate that there is a relatively recent legal tradition behind the establishment of the Ministry’s structure. The organizational framework of this ministry is designed in accordance with its competencies and authorities in decentralization and local autonomy, public administration, population management, and safety and disaster management. The organization of the Ministry is divided into three categories: subordinate, affiliated, and temporary entities. It is shaped around the principles of local self-governance and the delegation of authority to local units. The Ministry of the Interior plays a major role in realizing the idea of participatory democracy in South Korea. This ministry adopts a technical and specialized approach to public administration, open government, efficient governance, and the development of an open and transparent digital government. Ultimately, the Ministry of the Interior of South Korea can be regarded as an example of technical and specialized management in East Asia—one that pragmatically pursues stability and development.

Abstract In line with the development of exports of exquisite Iranian handicrafts, as identity-based industries, it is necessary to create suitable platforms for marketing and market-making of these products at the international level. Accordingly, paragraph “B” of Article (11) of the Law on the Support of Artists, Masters, and Handicraft Activists, ratified in 2017, refers to the issue of determining the ceiling for the temporary export of handicrafts. Changes in the prices of raw materials for handicraft products, as well as the costs incurred by stakeholders in this sector for participation in international exhibitions, are among the significant concerns. For this reason, an amendment to paragraph ”B” of Article (11) of the Law on the Support of Artists, Masters, and Handicraft Activists ratified in 2017 was pursued. This action aims to facilitate the conditions for the temporary export of handicrafts by artists, masters, and handicraft activists for display at foreign exhibitions, to shorten administrative procedures, and to increase economic efficiency. Expert reviews indicate that the resolution passed by the Industry and Mines Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) resulted in certain amendments to the government’s proposed bill. It is noteworthy that the general principles of the Commission’s resolution have been approved, but the details require reconsideration. Among the strengths of this resolution is the removal of the phrase “submission of bank guarantees and valid collateral” to facilitate the marketing and market-making processes and to support the handicrafts value chain. However, specific expert criteria for determining the ceilings related to the export of handicraft products have not been observed, either in the text of the bill or in the Commission’s resolution.

Abstract Productivity in the agricultural sector is considered the main key to enhancing production and strengthening the capabilities of producers in this field. In the context of food security, attention to this pillar is of great significance, since, given the limitations of production resources in the agricultural sector, the optimal and sustainable use of these resources to maintain or increase production levels is essential for achieving food security. In the present report, while addressing the prerequisites and outputs of improving productivity in the agricultural sector, a system dynamics model has been presented to illustrate the relationships between productivity and the influencing and affected parameters. The core of this model is formed by the relationship among productivity, competitiveness and attractiveness, and investment, and most of the variables included in the model either converge toward or branch out from this main core. Other areas that play a role in linking sustainable productivity in agriculture with the realization of various dimensions of food security are presented under seven categories; sustainability of food supply; enhancement of knowledge and innovation; systematization of production; sustainability of fundamental production resources; empowerment of the labor force; sustainability of the value chain; and efficiency of macroeconomic policies. Through the variables underlying these categories, each is connected to the model’s main core. Furthermore, within the structure of the system dynamics of sustainable productivity in the agricultural sector, the interconnections between the variables included in this model and other system dynamics models—such as competitiveness of domestic production, transportation, health, legislative system, inflation, quality of governance, innovation, public culture, conflict of interest, and business environment—have also been presented.

Abstract Among the 177 principles of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the term “priority” is used only once. Article (31) of the Constitution stipulates that: “Having suitable housing, according to one’s needs, is the right of every Iranian individual and family. The government is obligated, with due regard to priority for those who are most in need-particularly villagers and workers-o provide the means for the implementation of this principle.” This emphasis, placed with great foresight by the legislator, highlights a crucial issue that has shaped the formulation and evolution of most housing-related plans and policies aimed at addressing the needs of low-income groups. However, based on various assessments conducted by academic, research, and supervisory institutions, most of these initiatives have not effectively resolved or mitigated the challenges of housing for low-income populations. Various explanatory indicators presented in this report also confirm this conclusion. Providing affordable housing is the most legitimate and common rationale for government intervention in the housing sector. Even under conditions of equilibrium in housing supply and demand, low-income groups face serious difficulties in meeting their housing needs. In times of market failure or housing crises, this issue extends to middle and even upper-middle income deciles as well. In the history of legislative and planning efforts for the housing sector—despite the clear mandates outlined in higher-level policy documents regarding the provision of housing for the poor and low-income groups—over more than half a century of housing programs, most governmental policies have focused primarily on housing production. Meanwhile, little effective action has been taken to provide housing solutions for those who, even with access to financial facilities, lack sufficient capital to build or purchase a home, and are unable to afford rent payments. Studies indicate that the supportive programs established in special housing and urban development laws, as well as in many related legal frameworks, have failed to adequately address the needs of low-income and disadvantaged groups. This is largely due to the undefined extent of support and the absence of a coherent and targeted policy approach. The present policy–operational package aims to establish a comprehensive protective framework by introducing a dynamic, transparent, intelligent, and flexible support system within the housing sector—enabling the government to intervene effectively despite various limitations.

Abstract The Municipality Law enacted in 1955 (with subsequent amendments and revisions) has been the most important governing legislation for construction operations, particularly concerning building violations. Since the establishment of the commission under Article 100 of this law, this quasi-judicial body has experienced numerous fluctuations and, at times, the responsibility for handling building violations was transferred to other authorities. According to the latest amendment of the law, this commission is recognized as the sole competent authority for addressing construction violations in all cities, effectively serving as the executive arm of the municipality in supervising constructions and preventing the erection of buildings that violate urban planning, technical, health regulations, or those built without permits. Considering that more than half a century has passed since the enactment of this article, despite multiple reviews and the addition of clauses under the said article according to temporal necessities and to resolve societal challenges on a case-by-case basis, serious gaps remain. These include the incompatibility of these clauses with current conditions—such as low enforceability, ambiguity and interpretational flexibility of the law, inconsistency with the type and volume of contemporary constructions, and failure to consider urban development concerns. Ultimately, these shortcomings have directed the construction market towards violations and unprofessional building practices by intermediaries and profiteers, resulting in corruption and breaches of urban planning and architectural laws and regulations, public dissatisfaction, infringement of public rights, citizen mistrust, unjust discrimination, and the failure to realize urban development plans. Therefore, analyzing the systemic issues of the commissions under this law is essential for providing a foundation to facilitate necessary reforms.

Abstract Upon reviewing the second section of the 2024 national budget bill concerning agriculture and natural resources, it was found that the allocated credits for the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad and its affiliated agencies have increased by 40% compared to the approved credits of the 2023 budget, reaching 28,213.1 billion rials. The total revenues, financial asset disposals, and capital asset transfers of the executive agencies in the agricultural sector have also been estimated at 7,574.5 billion rials, showing a 21% increase compared to the approved amounts in the 2023 budget law. In the 2024 budget bill, the budget allocated for state-owned companies supplying essential agricultural goods is approximately 17 times the capital asset acquisition credits of the executive agencies in the agricultural sector. This allocation is not well aligned with the mandates of upstream documents that emphasize reducing dependency on the import of strategic agricultural products. Although the share of agricultural sector executive agencies from the total national agency credits is only 1.3%, the lack of coordination among capital asset acquisition projects—especially the absence of synergy among these projects within the main agricultural plains and hubs of the country—hinders optimal use of the limited available resources to achieve fundamental improvements in critical productivity requirements. These requirements include land consolidation and the establishment of efficient management systems. This issue is also evident when comparing the performance indicators defined for the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad in the 2024 budget bill with the general policies of the Seventh Development Plan and the obligations approved therein. Therefore, it is essential to reform the budgeting framework for agriculture and natural resources and to revise the relevant budget lines, focusing them on effective actions to enhance productivity in the agricultural sector.

Abstract One of the key characteristics of future-oriented thinking or foresight approaches is the attention to emerging issues. The field of futures studies endeavors to systematize future-oriented thinking and, by utilizing expert and scientific methods, to issue warnings before emerging problems become serious or impose widespread harm. These warnings are conveyed through the depiction of various future scenarios (black, white, and gray futures). In this context, the perceived consequences of these scenarios sensitize the mindset of policymakers and decision-makers (and stakeholders in general) to novel issues, marking the beginning of future-building. The sensitivity generated stems from an understanding of change and inevitably leads to self-awareness, which subsequently highlights the importance of addressing emerging issues. It should be added that emerging issues are not always negative challenges; in many cases, they present new opportunities. Therefore, for anticipatory governance, it is essential to gain insight into emerging opportunities earlier than the average stakeholder and to design strategies to capitalize on them (this necessity is increasingly emphasized for health sector leaders). This document attempts, through reviewing credible international reports, ideas from the National Innovation Event of the Parliamentary Research Center, consultation with experts, and the formation of a panel at the Academy of Medical Sciences, to compile the most important emerging issues in Iran’s health sector categorized by the functions of the health system. These issues are then presented succinctly and symbolically in the form of a radar. The descriptive section of the report also briefly addresses the risks and opportunities associated with these emerging issues.

Abstract Government institutions often undertake a series of efforts known as policymaking to meet the needs of society. These actions are externally judged by the public and various stakeholders. People-centered evaluation focuses on assessing policies through the study of judgments and perceptions of policy beneficiaries. Given that the realization of any goal requires appropriate arrangements, the present study examines the prerequisites for people-centered evaluation of policies in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This research highlights three key areas: 1. The development of knowledge on people-centered evaluation as a driver for an evaluation model, including measurable indicators and methods; 2. Utilizing existing legal capacities and improving laws as a foundation for establishing evaluation; 3. Promoting a culture of people-centered evaluation as the prevailing atmosphere, without which the previous two requirements remain merely formal and the evaluation will not be practically implemented. Attention to this type of evaluation can contribute to the expansion of social capital and, consequently, increase the political legitimacy of the government. Finally, solutions are proposed to realize the prerequisites for this type of evaluation. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, and following extensive literature review, qualitative deep interviews were conducted with subject matter experts.

Abstract The “Eight-Article Directive of the Supreme Leader on Combating Economic Corruption,” the “Law on Free Access to Information,” the “Law on Enhancing the Health of the Administrative System and Combating Corruption,” and the “Law on the Court of Audit” are among the legislations that form the legislative framework addressing administrative health and anti-corruption within the governance system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Given the conditions of sanctions, the increasing importance of safeguarding public funds, preventing the waste of the country’s assets, and the critical role of publishing research data to facilitate free access to information, attention to the implementation of Article 19 of the Law on Enhancing the Health of the Administrative System in executive bodies across the country is essential.

Abstract In the legal system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, serious attention to transparency as a distinct and independent concept gradually emerged from the early 2010s as a social demand and has been considered by policymakers. Currently, the “Law on Disclosure and Free Access to Information” is the only legislation that addresses transparency as an independent concept. However, this law has shortcomings and deficiencies in achieving the objectives of transparency. Therefore, policymakers in this field have set the enactment of independent transparency regulations as a priority to address these gaps. This report examines bills, drafts, and laws that directly consider comprehensive transparency for all executive bodies in the country—not merely transparency of specific sectors. The findings of this study indicate that creating parallel and multiple mechanisms, as envisioned in the related bills and drafts, will not lead to the enhancement and improvement of governance transparency in the country. Achieving transparency in the governance institutions of the country necessitates institutional reforms and improvements to the process of the Law on Disclosure and Free Access to Information. Hence, the specific recommendation is to address the structural and institutional weaknesses as well as the lack of enforcement guarantees in this law, and to upgrade it accordingly. Additionally, designing incentive mechanisms for institutions to provide information to the public is another reform that should be implemented within this law. To evaluate the quality of research data publication and the implementation of Article 19 of the Law on Enhancing the Health of the Administrative System and Combating Corruption, a comparative study was conducted using Tim Berners-Lee’s standard five-level model. Among institutions, organizations, and government-owned companies, ministries were selected to monitor the implementation of Article 19 of this law. Findings based on monitoring the ministries of the Islamic Republic of Iran indicate that most ministries have not made significant progress in implementing Article 19 of the Law on Enhancing the Health of the Administrative System. The Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, with 93% coverage and publication of 14 out of 15 selected indicators for monitoring organizations in this report, is the only ministry that has published its research data through the integrated information access system. This report proposes three policy and legislative recommendations: designing a unique identifier, strengthening the enforcement guarantees of the law, and developing an integrated system for the optimal implementation of Article 19 of the Law on Enhancing the Health of the Administrative System.

Abstract Seasonal Investment Security Reports aim to draw the attention of policymakers and the general public to this key — yet often overlooked — factor in Iran’s economic development. The reports seek to foster discourse that promotes greater investment security, stronger legal protections for property rights of economic actors in Iran, and tangible improvements in the country’s economic security and investment climate. This report is based on officially published and publicly available statistical data, as well as the assessments of 8,867 sampled economic actors from all provinces of the country. The study evaluates the Investment Security Index in Iran for the winter of 2023–2024 (Winter 1402 in the Iranian calendar) and calculates its seven related sub-indices. According to the calculations, the overall Investment Security Index in Iran -which is derived from a combination of survey and statistical data- was measured at 5.72 out of 10 (where 10 represents the worst condition) in Winter 1402. In comparison, the index had been 5.70, 5.66, and 5.73 in the autumn, summer, and spring of 1402, respectively. These figures indicate that although investment security had shown signs of improvement between spring and summer 1402, this positive trend was somewhat disrupted in the autumn. Ultimately, due to certain market instabilities — particularly exchange rate fluctuations and significant changes in some key statistical variables — the Investment Security Index in Winter 1402 again moved toward deterioration, similar to the situation observed in the autumn of that year.