Reports

Abstract In response to the valor and value creation of the veteran community in the country, the governance and policymaking scene in the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially in the realm of social policymaking regarding sacrifice and martyrdom and providing citizen services to this esteemed community, requires the application of a complex and multi-dimensional policy framework. This policy framework must simultaneously pursue three missions: 1) values that must be preserved, 2) deprivations that must be compensated, and 3) distribution of resources that must lead to the reproduction of social cohesion at all levels. This report will attempt to analyze the policy foundations of social support mechanisms for specific groups and examine the Comprehensive Law on Services for Veterans as the case study of this research. In this context, after analyzing the policy foundations supporting the Comprehensive Law on Services for Veterans, it will assess the satisfaction level of the target community with the social policy package provided in this area, as well as the existing challenges and dissatisfaction, based on surveys and polls. Finally, suggestions will be made to enhance the status of social policymaking for specific groups in the country and to create coherence and update the strategies embedded in the Comprehensive Law on Services for Veterans.

Abstract Approximately 3.5% of the total provisions of Article (4) of the bill on the goals, duties, and powers of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts pertains to the handicrafts sector. A comparison of the provisions of the handicrafts sector in Article (4) of the bill with the provisions in Chapter Two (Detailed Duties) of the Statute of the Iranian Handicrafts Organization approved in 2004 shows that Clause "55" of Article (4) of the bill is identical to Clause "7" of the detailed duties of the mentioned organization. Similarly, Clause "56" of Article (4) is comparable to Clauses "15," "16," and "29" of the aforementioned statute. Clause "52" of Article (4) of the bill regarding the determination of professional qualifications for artisans is the only new provision in the handicrafts sector. The registration and issuance of authenticity certificates for handicraft products and traditional arts, as well as identification for valuable works, were adapted from Clause "53" in inter-sectoral provisions and merged with Clause "52" regarding the determination of professional qualifications for artisans and the issuance of certificates. In Clause "55," the protection of intellectual property rights of handicraft specialists was emphasized with a focus on supportive, legal, and executive actions within the framework of legal duties. In Clause "56," the groundwork and support for the commercialization and marketing of handicrafts and traditional arts were revised with an emphasis on aligning with the lifestyle of the people. It is suggested that six new clauses regarding the organization of issuance, renewal, cancellation, and supervision of permits in the handicrafts sector, the revival of values and techniques in the handicrafts sector, support for local innovators, action against smuggled handicraft goods, the creation and provision of handicraft infrastructure, obtaining national and international geographical indication certificates for handicraft and traditional arts organizations, and facilitating the sale and export of handicrafts and traditional arts be added to the bill.

Abstract The comprehensive advancement of the country requires the maximum role of the young human resources in various fields, which is facilitated by the existence of over 21 million young people (ages 18 to 35). However, according to studies, the level of youth participation is not evaluated positively in at least some important dimensions of progress, such as the economy and family institutions. This report, written to describe the issue and introduce its causes, identifies delays in achieving independence or late entry into the acceptance of roles, i.e., adulthood, as one of the significant reasons for the diminished role of youth in certain dimensions of the country's progress. An examination of the important factors contributing to this issue shows that the planning of the public and higher education system generally emphasizes the academic success of students, while dimensions related to independence, such as job skills, are less visible in educational programs. Additionally, due to the lengthy and inflexible planning of higher education (specifically the undergraduate program), young students do not have the opportunity for stable employment alongside higher education. Low economic participation of youth, a long duration for finding jobs, job stability at older ages, and high unemployment rates also delay their independence. The emphasis of the family institution on academic success and less attention to the skill development of children, the definition of the legal age of 18 in the legal system, the minimal relevance of military service content to the future programs and needs of young men, and the impacts of individualism on certain motivational and attitudinal dimensions of individuals are among the significant factors contributing to the delay in the independence of youth.

Abstract One of the key supports for handicrafts can be considered the insurance of artists and workers in the handicraft sector, with the challenge of its implementation being the lack of sustainable resources to secure the necessary funding. The source of this funding in the Law on Retirement, Death, and Disability Insurance for Carpet Weavers, approved in 1997, was specified as 1.5% of the value of carpet exports from Iran, which was nullified after a parliamentary interpretation in 2002. In subsequent laws, not only have sustainable resources not been specified, but the implementation of the mentioned law has been contingent upon securing funding in the budget. Therefore, it is suggested that part of the necessary resources for securing the mentioned funding be obtained through taxes collected from specialized handicraft stores. Another challenge is the uniformity of the government’s insurance rate. According to a report from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, from 2016 to 2022, the insurance of 18,6805 individuals was terminated, with the reason for the termination of insurance for 45,000 of them being the failure to pay insurance premiums within the legal deadline. Therefore, it is necessary for the government’s insurance rate to be changed in a targeted manner. It is suggested that for a period of five years from the date of signing the insurance contract, the government’s share be 20% and the insured’s share be 7%, and after that, the entire 27% insurance share be the responsibility of the insurance. Additionally, individuals covered by the Welfare Organization of the country, the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, income deciles one to three, female heads of households, and individuals who achieve ranks and success in reputable national and international handicraft events and festivals should be exempt from insurance.

Abstract Increasing public awareness and domestic and international developments necessitate a change in the methods of supporting cultural heritage. In Iran, the support and protection of cultural heritage are exclusively carried out by the government. While this support has somewhat contributed to the preservation of Iran's cultural heritage, it has also diminished the participation of the public in the protection process, thereby rendering the immense public capital in supporting cultural heritage ineffective. In the first decade of the last century, the Law on the Preservation of National Monuments, approved in 1930, established the responsibility of the government for cultural heritage. According to this law and subsequent laws that were formed and completed based on it, cultural heritage is considered valuable property worthy of protection for the benefit of future generations, and due to the non-renewable nature of this national wealth, the element of public utilization has been eliminated. Currently, the most important function of cultural heritage is its role in creating a sense of belonging and connection to the identity roots of society. While cultural heritage, in addition to this traditional function, also serves as an important reserve and capacity for growth and progress in all cultural, social, and economic dimensions, or even for environmental protection. However, currently, this valuable national asset is viewed by some development-related institutions as an obstacle to development. This report suggests that the law on public responsibility for cultural and natural heritage be passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly by activating public capacities, clarifying institutional mapping, and providing incentives.

Abstract The draft list of invalid laws and regulations in the field of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts, registered under number 52, was announced on May 14, 2024. This draft was approved in general terms by the Cultural Commission with the aim of purging and identifying invalid laws in the fields of tourism, cultural heritage, and handicrafts. A detailed examination of it in expert sessions and specialized committees led to changes in the text of the draft, which ultimately received the approval of the Cultural Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. The amendments made to the draft include the addition of three items concerning invalid provisions of the Sixth Development Plan, invalid provisions of the 2021 and 2023 budget laws. Additionally, the amendment of item 24 in the appendix of invalid provisions regarding the recognition of Articles (1 and 2) of the "Law on the Separation of the Ministry of Culture," approved on November 9, 1964, was made due to its relevance to the legislative history of the Ministry of Education. Therefore, the overall resolution presented to the Islamic Consultative Assembly is approved.

Abstract One of the most important parts of the value chain in handicrafts is the exclusive handicraft stores in the country. The significance of these stores stems from the stagnation in the market for handicraft products. In fact, the prosperity of handicraft stores can play a significant role in increasing the sales of these products and developing their market. The inefficiency of the market for supplying products and the monopoly of suppliers, high rental costs for business locations, unsuitable sales activity locations, lack of market development for domestic customers, absence of market-making to attract commercial customers, lack of utilization of sales capacity to government and semi-government centers, insufficient marketing development for sales to international customers, non-targeted participation in domestic and international exhibitions, and inadequate product packaging are among the main challenges facing the prosperity of handicraft stores. Amendments to Article (7) of the Law on Support for Artists and Artisans, approved on January 16, 2018, to allocate facilities for securing business locations for exclusive handicraft stores, collaboration with unions of other industries that have the potential to become commercial customers of handicraft products, establishment of specialized exhibition companies in collaboration with the mentioned unions, utilization of tour operators and travel agencies to increase sales of handicraft stores to incoming tourists, and introducing the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts as the main authority for issuing operating licenses for these stores are other suggestions that can be considered.

Abstract "Support and care for orphaned children" has been one of the main responsibilities of the Welfare Organization of the country since its establishment in 1980. However, the organizational management and quality of social services provided to this target population have undergone significant changes in recent decades. Since the early 2000s, based on Article 88 of the Law on the Regulation of Some Financial Regulations of the Government, with the aim of "qualitative and quantitative development of services and reducing the volume of government responsibilities," the care of orphaned children has been outsourced to non-governmental centers, whereas previously, the public sector was responsible for supporting and caring for children. These extensive changes have resulted in almost all child and adolescent care centers, except for nurseries, being transferred to the non-governmental sector by the end of 2021. This research evaluates the consequences of these changes on the main stakeholders, namely the children and adolescents under care, the Welfare Organization, and the centers. The main focus of this research is to examine the new economic relationships between the Welfare Organization and the centers in the context of outsourcing service contracts. The gap between the subsidies paid by the Welfare Organization in exchange for services and the costs declared by the centers and the consequences of this managerial transformation for the stakeholders have been investigated. The results of this research indicate that the subsidy from the Welfare Organization, in an optimistic scenario, covers 21.7% of the costs of quasi-family centers in 2022, and the existence of this gap has primarily led to a shortage in the quality and quantity of services for orphaned children, putting quasi-family centers in a serious financial crisis for providing the assigned services.

Abstract The following report aims to propose cooperatives as a tool in line with popular policies and the participatory economy. The main question of this research is: beyond being a method of organizing economic-social participation, what opportunities can cooperatives provide for economic participation to policymakers? Utilizing documentary methods and analyzing legal texts, it was determined that the aim of popularizing the economy in Iran's laws and policies involves attention to components such as the intellectual and business interests of the people in relation to geographical, economic, and political issues, involving people in national economic decisions, assigning roles and responsibilities of the national economy to the people, organizing the social and economic capital of the people within the national economy by reducing monopolies, and transforming people from a mass state into a division of labor in the economy into sectors and interest groups. Additionally, by reviewing the experiences of other countries, it was found that they tend to engage in less financial collusion by providing participatory financial resources and do not impose non-economic commitments on specific groups in exchange for financial receipts. On the other hand, cooperatives, as an intermediary institution, by organizing people and removing them from a mass form, facilitate communication between officials and the public and vice versa for implementing national projects, participating in national decisions, benefiting from the final profits of projects, and educating the public. The results of this research indicate that recognizing and empowering the cooperative sector through the development of training systems, targeted and optimal allocation of resources, and proper facilitation and regulation in this area to create economic and social value should be prioritized by the authorities in the revision of laws and regulations governing cooperatives.

Abstract Iran, due to its location on the gold mineralization belt, holds one percent of the world's gold reserves. However, the country's share of global gold production is only 0.4%, and this production level does not correspond to its reserves. The most important factors hindering the development of the gold supply chain in the country can be found in the lack of geological exploration and the absence of access to technology for processing gold sulfide ores. Over the past 30 years, global gold production has doubled, but it seems that, given the imposition of stringent environmental, social, and governance requirements for launching new mines, this trend will not continue, and we will face a decline in gold production worldwide in the future. Therefore, it is likely that the extraction of low-grade reserves and small to medium-sized mines will receive more attention. On the other hand, merely having gold reserves cannot provide an advantage for countries in global markets; rather, playing an effective role in banking and international financial exchanges and utilizing modern technologies in gold bar production will be of greater importance. It is worth mentioning that gold, as a precious and strategic metal, is globally recognized. Accordingly, this metal not only enables the preservation of asset values and serves as a basis for the monetary backing of the central bank but also has the capability to be used as a medium of exchange. The pattern of gold consumption in different countries varies according to their level of industrial development, with developed economies showing a higher ratio of gold consumption in industry. Therefore, it can be predicted that the total demand for gold will experience an upward trend in the future.

Abstract Addiction is the most widespread social harm in the country, which has seen various measures taken to control and reduce it over the past century, especially after the Islamic Revolution. Among the most important of these measures was the approval of the Anti-Narcotics Law by the Expediency Discernment Council in 1988. This law has been the basis for all actions taken regarding the production, distribution, and consumption of narcotics in the country and has been amended three times in 1997, 2010, and 2017. According to Article (16) of the 2010 amendment to this law, individuals exhibiting signs of addiction are to be treated and rehabilitated in government-approved centers for a period of one to three months under judicial order. The executive bylaw for Article (16) was approved by the Anti-Narcotics Headquarters in 2017, and since then, the number of centers subject to this article has rapidly increased in the country. However, specialists and research studies have raised criticisms regarding the processes, performance, and outcomes of these centers and their promoting approaches. This report aims to evaluate the status and processes of Article (16) centers based on Clause "C" of Article (2) of the Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly's duties, using appropriate methods to identify existing challenges and deficiencies and to provide relevant policy suggestions and solutions. The findings of this report indicate that the processes of collection, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and post-discharge care in these centers face various challenges, thus necessitating reform and review of the current status and trends.

Abstract The home appliance industry, as part of the electronics sector, is considered one of the leading industries in industrial development, significantly impacting the industrial structure of countries through the capacities it creates for the development of preceding and succeeding industries. This industry, which falls under the category of durable consumer goods, is divided into various subcategories, including energy-consuming and non-energy-consuming appliances, heating and cooling appliances, large and small appliances, kitchen and non-kitchen appliances, and smart and non-smart appliances. The development of the home appliance industry in Iran has a history of 80 years, during which a combination of market attractiveness, entrepreneurial activities, and government industrial policies has played a role in its development. Two periods of growth in home appliances can be identified in the 1960s and 1990s. Conversely, during periods such as the 2000s, the government's inability to regulate appropriately led to a loss of Iran's market share and a lack of export capacity or competitiveness of products, as well as a failure to transfer technology. Overall, this review highlights the importance of the home appliance industry and the necessity of formulating appropriate policy packages for the development of this industry. Industrial policymaking in this sector should consider aspects such as assisting in market creation or enabling domestic companies to enter new markets (to benefit from economies of scale), enhancing medium-term competitiveness, promoting diversity, and addressing supply chain gaps to deepen domestic production. In subsequent reports, policy considerations and recommendations from this perspective will be addressed.

Abstract The extensive road network in Iran necessitates the construction and operation of roadside service and welfare complexes, as approximately 98.6% of domestic travel occurs on the country's roads. Therefore, meeting the needs of road travelers and enhancing travel safety through these facilities requires organizing roadside complexes to provide quality services in tourism and road travel. Studies indicate a weakness in the service quality of roadside service and welfare complexes. The issues faced by these complexes include: conflicting higher-level regulations and differing interpretations of them, inter-agency conflicts, insufficient support for the activities of roadside service and welfare complexes, delays in changing land use for construction, lack of coordination among organizations related to roadside service and welfare complexes, lack of supervision and organization of scattered individual facilities, issues with spacing between complexes, lack of connection and access for some responsible agencies to the national licensing portal, and delays in completing the construction of complexes. To address these challenges, the formulation and approval of a comprehensive law for roadside service and welfare complexes in the country, emphasizing accountability and measurable performance of agencies and stakeholders in this field, and aiming to institutionalize and resolve differing interpretations of laws by responsible agencies, seems necessary. This law should include provisions for designating the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development as the main authority for roadside complexes, organizing and determining the status of scattered individual roadside facilities, establishing a timeline for the issuance of necessary permits, and confirming related inquiries through connection to the national licensing portal, among others.

Abstract Paragraph "2" of the single article of the law establishing the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, approved in 2019, obliges the government to present necessary changes to the duties of the previous organization in the form of a bill to the Islamic Consultative Assembly for approval. This paragraph confirmed and ratified the laws applicable to the previous organization to facilitate the aforementioned duty. Therefore, the only obligation of the government is to present the desired changes in the form of a bill. Although this bill on the objectives and duties of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has a new text and writing, some of its provisions repeat duties and powers that were previously established by the laws and regulations applicable to the previous organization. Additionally, the bill's entry into the subject of rarities (in two sections 10 and 41 of Article 4) is crucial and overlooked in the field of cultural heritage, but it has been presented in a subtle manner. However, utilizing the legislative opportunity in this bill to clarify this principle is noteworthy. It is suggested that sections "10 and 41" of Article (4) of the bill on the objectives and duties of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts (related to the subject of rarities) be removed, and instead, the ministry's obligation to take necessary legal action regarding the implementation of Article (83) of the Constitution be substituted. Furthermore, removing repetitive items from the bill and adding provisions related to the necessities of the ministry's domain, one of the most important of which is clarifying the public role and responsibility of citizens in protecting cultural and natural heritage, is another suggestion of this report.

Abstract The abundance of construction projects (capital asset acquisitions) alongside the limited financial resources of the government has prolonged the execution and completion periods of these projects. The extended execution and completion periods not only increase costs and tie up public resources but can also lead to the loss of project benefits and missed opportunities for the country due to new conditions and the necessity to change patterns and investments. Therefore, screening construction projects (capital asset acquisitions), especially in the context of tightening budget constraints and reducing the share and allocation of construction projects, becomes even more critical. Current methods, such as physical progress for screening projects, are one-dimensional and can lead to the exclusion of some eligible projects, potentially resulting in corruption and misuse to prioritize specific projects. The models used for screening capital asset acquisition projects globally have evolved from one-dimensional to multi-dimensional frameworks. Based on new models, the prioritization framework for projects is based on multi-criteria models. In these models, financial, economic, social, and environmental indicators are utilized in the form of two social-environmental and financial-economic indicators, alongside the constraint of public budget for capital asset acquisition projects. Given the characteristics of the proposed models and frameworks and the conditions of capital asset acquisition projects in the country, the application of multi-criteria models for project screening is recommended.

Abstract The increase in the imbalance between electricity production and demand in recent years has led to the implementation of electricity consumption management plans, especially in the industrial sector. Therefore, in the Seventh Development Plan, targets have been set to improve the conditions of the electricity industry, including increasing the nominal capacity of power plants to 124,000 megawatts, which includes 12,000 megawatts of renewable power plants. Another goal of the Seventh Plan in the electricity sector is to achieve a positive balance of 1,632 megawatts between electricity production and demand during peak load times, whereas last summer this balance was negative at 17,557 megawatts. Other objectives of the Seventh Plan to address imbalances include increasing the average efficiency of existing power plants from 39% to 44% and constructing new power plants with a minimum efficiency of 55%. This report evaluates the extent to which the goals of the electricity sector in the Seventh Development Plan have been achieved by monitoring data related to the first half of 2024.

Abstract This report examines the supportive objectives, formation processes, and evolution of business development institutions, the organizational structure, and the collaboration methods of business development institutions, as well as the laws, programs, and support tools of organizations in developed countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, and countries with a long history of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like India and Turkey. By comparing and contrasting these countries, strategies are proposed for reforming structures, laws, and support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises in Iran. According to the findings of this report, the context for establishing special institutions supporting SMEs in most of the countries studied has been the emergence of a duality between large and small enterprises. Social and political pressures have compelled governments to establish institutions and legislate for small businesses. Different countries pursue various objectives in supporting SMEs, which can lead to significant changes in goals over time, along with corresponding changes in structures, programs, laws, and regulations. In all the countries studied, the main institution and policymaker for the development of small businesses has been a centralized government agency. Support for SMEs in Japan, South Korea, and Turkey has been selective, with decisions on continued support made after evaluating the performance of the enterprises receiving services. Support programs in all the countries examined include a wide range of services and are not limited to financing and loans.

Abstract The administrative system, as the executive arm of governance and the platform for implementing policies and political decisions, is one of the most important infrastructures for the country's development. Therefore, enhancing and transforming the functions of the administrative system is essential for achieving governance objectives. Given the social development and the increasing complexity of public issues, as well as citizens' interactions and expectations from governance, it is necessary to transform and modernize the administrative system of the country to fulfill responsibilities and public expectations. Artificial intelligence, as a transformative technology, has been one of the most significant technological advancements in recent years, and the continuous development of its capabilities has led to increased attention to these capabilities in various sectors, including the administrative system. In this context, this report identifies eleven functions of this technology in transforming the administrative system after a brief overview of the capacities of artificial intelligence in the public sector. These functions include: smartening and automating processes, reducing administrative corruption, increasing productivity and reducing costs, personalization, enhancing quality and diagnosing the services provided, benefiting from collective intelligence and effective interaction with citizens, and improving inter-organizational interactions. The report further outlines the requirements for judiciously utilizing the capacities of this technology in the administrative system, including the formulation of a national artificial intelligence strategy and policy, the development of relevant laws and regulations, attention to technical and necessary soft infrastructures, comprehensive consideration, and avoidance of haste, as well as taking into account the specificities of the public sector, including its ideals, goals, and conditions, in the form of policy recommendations.

Abstract The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts is a newly established ministry that lacks a law defining its objectives and duties approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly. According to Paragraph "2" of the single article of the law establishing the ministry, approved in 2016, necessary amendments regarding the existing statutes of this organization were to be presented by the government to the Islamic Consultative Assembly. The bill on the objectives, duties, and powers of the ministry was registered under number 190 and received on October 9, 2024. The generalities of this bill are confirmed as necessary due to the legal obligations set forth in the 2016 establishment law, the need to define the scope of activities, and the emergence of new issues. However, the details of the bill require fundamental changes. Attention to the needs of the private sector, consideration of emerging requirements, clarifying some unresolved issues, and resolving inter-agency conflicts are among the strengths of this bill. Conversely, failure to comply with the establishment law, insufficient and ambiguous definitions, lack of categorization based on the three activity areas of the ministry, and the repetitive nature of many provisions can be considered some of the bill's shortcomings. Therefore, this bill needs to be reviewed and amended in the specialized committees of the Islamic Consultative Assembly to prepare the necessary grounds for its approval in the Assembly.

Abstract Achieving independence at the right time is a crucial requirement for the comprehensive realization of the discourse of progress among youth. However, various indicators show that Iranian youth are experiencing delays in gaining independence and entering the phase of accepting individual, family, and social responsibilities. In this regard, unemployment is considered one of the significant factors delaying the attainment of sustainable economic income and independence. Understanding the dimensions of this issue, identifying its causes and factors, and conducting longitudinal studies on the phenomenon of unemployment can be effective. The study of youth unemployment in the 2010s indicates that individuals are delaying their job search, experiencing long periods of unemployment, and facing high unemployment rates. The divergence between employment creation policies and the job preferences of youth, the requirement for a university degree for employment instead of job skills, job instability, price volatility, and the lack of opportunities for youth to engage in economic activities while studying are significant reasons for youth unemployment. Replacing professional qualification certificates with university degrees in the Civil Service Management Law, revising the number and content of university courses in undergraduate programs, enhancing the supervisory and regulatory role of the Ministry of Science to maximize students' use of summer term capacities, providing job skills training for students through vocational courses, revising the curriculum of general education courses to improve students' skill levels, revising the curriculum of technical and vocational education based on regional assessments and provincial capacities, creating a skills profile for individuals in the national standard skills system, and revising labor market policies to increase job stability are among the proposed policies to improve youth unemployment.

Abstract Governance of artificial intelligence, as the framework for guiding the development of AI, is a dynamic and multifaceted concept that will play a significant role in shaping the future of modern societies. AI governance encompasses a set of processes, standards, laws, and policies designed to guide, manage, optimize, develop, and apply artificial intelligence technology and its related implications. The outcome of these efforts is actions aimed at ensuring safety, fairness, transparency, and ethics in the development, implementation, and use of AI-based systems and technologies. These actions include establishing standards and guidelines, data management, privacy protection, defining responsibilities and rights, managing and monitoring algorithms, and ensuring the continuous development and sustainability of AI use for all technical and knowledge levels in society. This report elucidates the concepts related to AI governance. It attempts to analyze various dimensions of AI governance. In this context, it first examines the fundamental concepts of this field, including definitions and the importance of AI governance, and then addresses the existing challenges, which include technical issues, stakeholders, and macro-level regulations. An examination of international statistics also shows that attention to the importance of AI governance is rapidly expanding, and its impacts on societies are significant. As AI is expected to become a transformative and strategic technology in the development of various aspects of social life in the coming years, the necessity of addressing AI governance in the country becomes even more critical.

Abstract The numerous challenges facing the current social security system in the country have increased the importance of studying the experiences of other countries regarding solutions to overcome crises in this area and designing optimized policy packages. An examination of various countries shows that Canada, Norway, Australia, and the Netherlands, while having considerable similarities in initial potentials with Iran, have demonstrated effective performance in managing their social security systems. This report outlines the social security system of the Netherlands along with important economic and demographic characteristics, provides an overview of the health and medical system, and discusses government expenditures in this area. The social security system in the Netherlands consists of three layers: 1. A national scheme that includes a basic pension scheme, survivor benefits, and child support; 2. Occupational pension schemes that cover unemployment and disability benefits; and 3. Optional individual private insurance schemes. Additionally, a universal health and medical system with a mandatory basic level funded through individual contributions is established in this country. Gradually increasing the legal retirement age and linking it to life expectancy, along with changing the structure of pension schemes from defined benefits to defined contributions, are among the reforms currently being implemented in the Netherlands to mitigate the effects of an aging population and changes in employment patterns. The diversity of financing mechanisms in the social security system, the participatory nature of benefits provided across all layers, and the emphasis on continuous monitoring of the financial health of funds, along with policies of solidarity and risk-sharing, can be considered some of the most important lessons learned from the social security system in the Netherlands.

Abstract Disasters disrupt the normal life of communities and cause casualties and damages to people, property, the economy, and the environment. Governments face crises through various methods. Among these, disaster-prone countries have more experience in crisis management. The present research, after reviewing the experiences of different countries in disaster management, extracts general and fundamental principles for managing incidents. The findings indicate that some of the most important guiding principles for crisis management include: First, creating and strengthening the belief in the occurrence of crises and taking disaster management seriously among officials and the public. Second, having appropriate political-administrative authority, influence, and the ability to coordinate crisis management. Third, the convergence and role of institutions and organizations in various stages of disaster management according to their areas of activity and as supporters of risk management. Fourth, decentralization in incident management, as local institutions are closer to the disaster field and can respond more quickly. Fifth, the formulation and implementation of necessary foundational and structural programs by each of the responsible institutions in disaster management, their accountability to crisis management, and prioritizing disaster risk reduction and prevention. Sixth, ensuring that financial resources for disaster management are readily available.

Abstract One of the bottlenecks in empowering and enhancing the effectiveness of the diplomatic activities of the Islamic Consultative Assembly is the localization and screening of initiatives and innovations from the libraries and research centers of other legislative assemblies worldwide. This is essential for transferring knowledge, techniques, and skills of foreign policy to friendship groups and the new generation of parliamentary diplomats in the horizon of the second phase of the revolution. One of the diplomatic measures of parliamentary think tanks is networking the research findings of think tanks and academic centers active in the parliamentary field and establishing a digital parliamentary diplomacy support system. On the other hand, the research arms of the parliaments of South Korea and Pakistan are moving towards creating national consensus on fundamental parliamentary issues through communication with parliamentary think tank liaisons. In this context, six elements—creativity, effectiveness, needs assessment, comprehensiveness, strategic planning, and future studies—serve as the driving force for parliamentary diplomacy think tanks in Pakistan and South Korea. Additionally, in both countries, the government includes ministers who have previously held key positions in legislative assemblies. This has led to any enhancement of parliamentary diplomacy resulting in the growth of a capable official diplomacy. Furthermore, the meaningful relationship between parliamentary think tanks and scientific-applied research centers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the collaboration of research delegations during diplomatic trips, has maximized the alignment of parliamentary studies with field diplomacy and assessed all influential elements on parliamentary diplomacy by nurturing a new generation of parliamentary diplomats aware of emerging technologies.

Abstract Introduction: The law on the appointment of individuals in sensitive positions, consisting of five articles and eleven notes, was approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly on October 2, 2022. Article (2) of this law states: "The appointment of the following individuals in sensitive positions is prohibited: a) Those who themselves, their children, or their spouses hold dual citizenship. Note: This clause does not negate the application of Article (989) of the Civil Code approved on May 7, 1928, and its subsequent amendments, and Article (98) of the Management Services Law." b) Those who do not believe in and are not practically committed to Islam, the Islamic Republic system, the absolute guardianship of the jurist, and the Constitution. Note: Recognized religious minorities in the Constitution are exempt from the belief in Islam condition but must meet other legal requirements for holding sensitive positions. c) Those who have played a significant role in strengthening the foundations of the former regime. d) Those who have been convicted of crimes of breach of trust, fraud, embezzlement, bribery, and illegal appropriation of public property. Note: In the case of illegal appropriation of public property, a definitive conviction for punishments of degrees (1) to (5) specified in the Islamic Penal Code is the criterion. e) Affiliates of organizations, parties, and illegal groups. f) Suspects and perpetrators of espionage in favor of foreigners and connections with foreign nationals that security and intelligence agencies have explicitly prohibited. g) Those who have initiated satellite networks and websites against Islam, the official religion of the country, and the revolution, and activists against the system and their related agents, as well as those involved in the dissemination of immoral content in cyberspace. h) Users and addicts of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and psychotropic substances. i) Those convicted of drug trafficking, weapons, and military ammunition, as well as those convicted of crimes against internal and external security and religious limits. j) Those known for corruption and those openly engaging in immorality. k) Those who have been identified as violators during parliamentary investigations and have been definitively convicted by judicial authorities for punishments of degrees (1) to (5). Note: If in all the above cases, the contrary is proven in competent judicial authorities or an acquittal is issued, the mentioned prohibition will be lifted." In the first clause of this article, the appointment of individuals who themselves, their children, or their spouses hold dual citizenship in sensitive positions is prohibited. The honorable government, through a bill registered as number 234, has proposed to amend the first clause of Article (2) of the aforementioned law as follows: "Single Article – Clause (a) of Article (2) of the Law on the Appointment of Individuals in Sensitive Positions approved on October 2, 2022, is amended as follows: 'a) Those who hold dual citizenship.'" According to this amendment—if approved—individuals whose spouses and children hold dual citizenship will be allowed to work in sensitive positions. This report will examine this bill and provide reform suggestions.

Abstract Having an up-to-date and reliable picture of the developments in the country's gross domestic product (GDP) can effectively improve policymaking and enable more precise monitoring of the macroeconomy. Given the delays in statistical references in this area and the repeated requests from members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly to address this shortcoming and provide a more timely picture of economic growth, the Research Center of the Assembly has made efforts to establish a computational infrastructure to estimate and present the country's economic growth on a monthly basis and as quickly as possible. According to the latest statistics from the Central Bank, in the summer of 2024, the country's GDP grew by 2.7% and 2.3% compared to the same season of the previous year, with and without oil, respectively. Based on the estimates from the Research Center, the economic growth of the country in November 2024 compared to the same month of the previous year is estimated to be 3.3%, and the growth without oil is estimated at 3.5%. The results of these estimates indicate that in November 2024, compared to the same month of the previous year, the value added in the "Agriculture" sector grew by 2.6%, the "Crude Oil and Natural Gas" sector grew by 2.3%, the "Industries and Mines" group grew by 4.7%, and the "Services" group grew by 3%.

Abstract This report introduces a new phenomenon in the literature of modern entrepreneurship known as "High Growth Enterprises (HGE)" and reviews the experiences of leading countries in efforts to distinguish this group of enterprises and formulate policies to promote their growth. In this approach, a small percentage of enterprises that create high levels of employment and economic growth are supported by the government. A review of the literature and experiences of leading countries in promoting high-growth enterprises shows that: There is weak evidence for the hypothetical relationship between technology-based and knowledge-based companies and high-growth enterprises. HGEs exist in all sectors. Studies indicate that the assumption that a high-growth enterprise emerges as a startup or new venture is incorrect. Small, old enterprises lacking innovation and motivated by self-employment and limited local service provision should not be considered high-growth enterprises eligible for government support, as this group has not demonstrated growth potential during their years of operation. "Innovation" is a key feature of HGEs. High-growth enterprises in most studies are innovative, young, but experienced businesses with efficient human resources. Therefore, the implications of the results of studies in this area for planning and policymaking in support of SMEs in Iran, with the aim of employment and economic growth, suggest avoiding excessive emphasis on supporting small startups, old small enterprises lacking innovation and growth motivation, high-tech (knowledge-based) enterprises, and self-employment.

Abstract The forestry sector is one of the areas that is significant both in terms of adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. An analysis of the national participation programs of countries in climate change management shows that 68% and 79% of these programs address adaptation and emission reduction in forests, respectively. In the emission reduction section, although forests can reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon, improper management can turn them into sources of emissions. In the adaptation section, adaptation measures at the stand level, adaptation at levels beyond stands, and adaptation at the policy level are of concern. In Iran, studies have shown that changes in climatic factors in recent years have played a significant role in exacerbating the occurrence of wildfires in various forest habitats and the spread of oak pests in the Zagros forests. Reports from the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization and the Forests and Rangelands Research Institute indicate that the country faces challenges such as a lack of national data on the carbon sequestration capacity of the country's forests, insufficient documentation regarding the impacts of climate change on the country's forests, and weak future studies in tracking climate change trends in the coming years. This report proposes suggestions to strengthen climate change management in the forestry sector based on Clause "T" of Article (22) of the Seventh Development Program, focusing on two main areas: adaptation to climate change and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract Based on the report of the Commission on Internal Affairs and Councils, the single article has been approved as follows: "The government is obliged to conduct the necessary investigations and legal actions to realize Article (64) of the Constitution within a maximum of three months after the enforcement of this law, while observing the indicators mentioned in the first clause of the general policies of elections." Organizing electoral districts and increasing representatives is essential and approved in line with realizing Article (64) of the Constitution and clause "1" of the general policies of elections. However, since according to Article (64) of the Constitution, "the boundaries of electoral districts and the number of representatives are determined by law," the government's legal action to realize Article (64) of the Constitution requires the submission of a bill, and the obligation of the government to submit a bill contradicts Article (74) of the Constitution. Therefore, the approval of the current plan is not recommended.

Abstract According to Article 30 of the Constitution, the training of specialized human resources includes four stages (needs assessment, resource provision, training of human resources, and finally their employment). The human resources in the health sector are also the responsibility of the government, and it is necessary for policymakers to consider the current and future situation of the country and the requirements for realizing Article 30 in this regard. In this context, and due to the importance of the subject, this report first examines the willingness of physicians to study in specialized and sub-specialized courses from the perspective of annual admission rates and the vacant capacities in various residency exams, as well as the factors influencing the willingness or reception of these courses, including the problems and issues of the residency period. The results indicate that the willingness of physicians to study in sub-specialized courses is decreasing in most fields. In the specialized course, some necessary fields for the country, such as emergency medicine, pediatrics, infectious and tropical diseases, anesthesia, and forensic medicine, have very few applicants, so that most of their capacities have remained vacant in recent years. Additionally, according to the results of this report, the main reasons for the decrease in physicians' willingness to study in specialized and sub-specialized courses, in line with the steps and stages of implementing Article 30, include a combination of economic problems of residents, post-graduation commitments, heavy professional responsibilities during residency, income gaps between different specialties, and the desire to emigrate. To reduce existing harms, suggestions such as separating specialized and sub-specialized fields based on demand (low-demand and high-demand), redistributing resources and supports for their balanced development, expanding scholarships for residents, and accepting sub-specialty residents from low-demand specialties with the aim of reducing the duration of study are mentioned in this report.

Abstract In the following report, while reviewing some of the models used in governance laboratories, efforts have been made to explain new approaches in evidence-based policymaking. The reviewed models do not inherently have superiority over each other and are used solely based on the problem's objective, system characteristics, and the decision-maker's or policymaker's perspective on solving the issue. These models facilitate the analysis of systems, testing policies, and finding optimal solutions to problems by transforming real-world issues into a virtual environment with greater speed, accuracy, and ease. In this report, to familiarize with some of the functions of governance laboratories, three issues examined with the help of these models in the fields of energy, health, and human resources in education are described. It is hoped that by presenting tangible issues and gaining a better understanding of how these models function in addressing real problems in the country, the importance and position of governance laboratories in the country's decision-making processes will become clearer, and greater willingness and trust in utilizing their capabilities in the path of macro planning and policymaking, especially in legislation by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, will be created.

Abstract One of the ways to reintegrate convicts and reduce the effects and consequences of remaining in foreign prisons is to create the opportunity for them to serve their sentences in their home country's prisons. This allows these individuals to benefit from provisions such as visiting immediate family members, leave, etc. Countries that have prisoners from the other party in their prisons can establish a treaty for the transfer of convicts, outlining the process for transferring these convicts, provided that certain conditions are met, such as dual criminality, remaining a specific period of the sentence, submitting a request, etc. The resolution of the Judicial and Legal Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly regarding the treaty for the transfer of convicts between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is in this context.

Abstract  The Islamic Consultative Assembly, according to multiple principles of the Constitution (such as Articles 71 to 90, 136, 137) and similar provisions, is tasked with overseeing the government's performance and its compliance with ordinary laws and the objectives outlined in the Constitution. To fulfill this duty, various institutions such as specialized commissions, the Commission on Article 90, the Supervision Office, the Court of Audit, etc., have specific responsibilities. The multiplicity of obligations and, consequently, the supervisory roles and the proliferation of supervisory institutions have burdened the Assembly's supervisory position, leading to fragmentation and disorder, which in turn makes it susceptible to undermining the government's actions as the subject of oversight. Therefore, revisiting the responsibilities and supervisory institutions of the Assembly, as well as the scientific and policy literature on oversight and evaluation of the impacts of laws, has been placed on the agenda of this report to reorganize the Assembly's oversight processes for increased efficiency. Based on the institutional review of oversight in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, it seems that the current oversight situation of the Assembly needs to undergo eight transformative shifts, which are: a shift from detailed oversight to holistic oversight, a shift from individual oversight to collective oversight, a shift from oversight to evaluation, a shift from ex-post oversight to ex-ante oversight, a shift from rowing in oversight to steering and leading oversight, a shift from political oversight to governance and policy oversight, a shift from traditional and bureaucratic oversight to intelligent oversight, and a shift from the fragmentation of supervisory institutions to the cohesion and integration of supervisory institutions. What makes these shifts possible within the existing institutional balance of the Assembly is attention to the driving mechanisms in this regard, some of which are introduced in this research.

Abstract The enforcement and comprehensive perspective of laws, as well as the obligation of organizations, individuals, and various industrial and production units to adhere to permissible environmental limits and pollution discharge standards into water bodies, are among the important issues under the vital section of water. Investigations show that Iran, despite having a long history in formulating and implementing laws in the water sector, has significant quantitative and qualitative deficiencies in the laws related to water resource pollution. This issue, when viewed in comparison with the processes and legal mechanisms of other countries worldwide, indicates that Iran's situation regarding the quantity and final effectiveness of pollution laws for water resources is inadequate. This report, with a focus on examining the weaknesses, challenges, and legal deficiencies in the area of water resource pollution in Iran, analyzes this issue from new dimensions. The findings of the report indicate that the existing legal frameworks, while having a gap with the contemporary legal foundations of the world, are also inadequate in terms of executive impacts due to the lack of policy tools and executive procedures to meet the needs and issues of the country regarding water resource pollution. Therefore, this report, by examining various aspects of this issue in the country, referencing all existing laws (passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly) regarding water resource pollution, and conducting a comparative analysis of similar laws in different countries, addresses the harms and capacities for solving the issue, providing solutions, expert opinions, and sustainable legal frameworks to policymakers and the legislative system of the country for resolving the issue.

Abstract Maintaining and enhancing the safety of buildings is a critical issue in urban management, and neglecting it can lead to catastrophic incidents such as the Plasco and Metropol disasters. Building safety requires not only strict adherence to construction regulations but also sufficient attention to the proper operation and maintenance of buildings according to rules and guidelines. Weaknesses in the implementation of existing laws, lack of cohesive supervisory mechanisms, disregard for safety standards and maintenance principles, use of low-quality materials, absence of appropriate fire alarm and extinguishing systems, and lack of periodic monitoring of buildings are among the factors contributing to increased safety risks identified in this context. This report comprehensively examines the status of unsafe buildings in the country, especially in the capital, identifies existing weaknesses in technical and managerial areas, and provides legislative, supervisory, and executive solutions with a holistic view of the safety status of buildings in the country. One of the important actions in this regard is the diagnosis of existing laws and regulations and the drafting or revision of related codes and standards, which often occurs after natural disasters or unforeseen events. Following the Plasco incident and particularly the Metropol disaster, the issue of unsafe buildings has received increased attention and scrutiny from relevant authorities, and significant actions have been taken in this regard. Additionally, other solutions such as strengthening supervisory systems, proper maintenance, continuous monitoring, and immediate actions for securing high-risk buildings, ensuring adequate financial resources, criminalizing the maintenance of unsafe conditions, and raising public awareness of safety risks are recommended.

Abstract An examination of key water and meteorological indicators in the second quarter of 2024 shows that the average rainfall during this period has increased compared to the same period last year and the long-term average. Additionally, the average temperature of the summer season has risen not only compared to last year but is also 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than the long-term average for summer. An unprecedented record of global temperature increase has also been registered during the summer. Despite the highest temperature recorded in the last water year, the average rainfall in the country was normal, amounting to 234.5 millimeters. However, the increase in temperature has led to severe to very severe drought conditions prevailing in most regions of the country. The reserves of major dams in the country at the end of the summer season have increased by 12% compared to the same period last year. The water volume in the Karun cascade dams, which play a significant role in the country's hydropower generation, has remained the same as last year, while the dams located in the central part of the country have faced a decline in their filling percentage. An examination of the climatic conditions of neighboring countries during the summer indicates the establishment of drought conditions in most areas of Afghanistan and the watersheds of the common border rivers of Helmand and Harirod, with eastern Turkey and Iraq also affected by drought. An analysis of the water sector's budget shows that out of the total capital asset acquisitions, which according to the current year's budget law amount to over 480 trillion rials, about 33% was allocated during the summer.

Abstract Artificial intelligence is one of the most important emerging technologies that is rapidly developing and will lead to significant transformations in all areas, including policymaking and legislation in governments. The aim of this report is to analyze and examine the applications and challenges of artificial intelligence in the public policy-making process and its application in the Islamic Consultative Assembly. To this end, previous studies, data, and scientific evidence related to this field have been reviewed. The results of these investigations indicate that the applications of artificial intelligence in public policy-making can have significant impacts on enhancing the efficiency and smartening of this process. Based on these findings, the diverse applications of this technology include big data analysis, evidence-based forecasting and decision-making, pattern recognition and community behavior analysis, smart public service delivery, and resource management optimization. Given the mentioned applications, artificial intelligence can also be effective in enhancing the evidence-based policymaking and legislative processes. However, the application of this technology may face several challenges, including ethical and privacy violations, security concerns, data-related challenges, and managerial and structural issues. In this report, while examining the aforementioned issues and the identified functions of artificial intelligence in policymaking and legislation, policy recommendations are provided to enhance the efficiency of various sectors under the Islamic Consultative Assembly in accordance with each function.

Abstract One of the main prerequisites for holding elections is the division of territory into electoral districts with clearly defined borders according to electoral laws. According to Article (9) of the Islamic Consultative Assembly Election Law, the electoral system of the Assembly is part of the "majority" electoral systems; however, currently, two types of electoral systems from the majority family are in effect in the Assembly elections: the majority electoral system and the collective majority electoral system. The majority electoral system exists in those electoral districts of the Assembly where only one representative is elected from each district; however, the collective majority system exists in electoral districts where more than two representatives are elected. Aside from the harms and negative consequences of the collective majority system, the existence of electoral districts with more than one seat contradicts clause "1" of the general policies of elections. Additionally, according to Article (64) of the Constitution, every ten years, twenty representatives can be added to the number of representatives in the Assembly, whereas the only and last revision of the number of representatives occurred in 1999, when twenty representatives were added to the total of 270 representatives. The goal of the current plan is to obligate the government to organize electoral districts and increase the number of representatives. Organizing electoral districts and increasing representatives is essential and approved in line with realizing Article (64) of the Constitution and clause "1" of the general policies of elections. However, since according to Article (64) of the Constitution, "the boundaries of electoral districts and the number of representatives are determined by law," amending the electoral district table requires the submission of a bill, and the obligation of the government to submit a bill contradicts Article (74) of the Constitution. Therefore, the approval of the current plan is not recommended.

Abstract Regionalism and economic and trade cooperation in the form of bilateral or multilateral agreements, especially in the area of free trade, are effective tools for strengthening trade relations between countries. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, and the Russian Federation, have sought to expand their trade relations by approving the law "Temporary Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union and its Member States" on June 9, 2019. According to this agreement, Iran and the EAEU are committed to reducing or eliminating tariffs for a wide range of goods. In summary, three categories of goods for Iran's exports to EAEU member countries include 795 HS codes subject to no reduction in import duties (MFN) and 42 items subject to preferential tariffs up to a certain limit (quota application), while the remaining HS codes (approximately 8,000 items) from a total of 8,859 eight-digit codes have been granted to Iran. Conversely, for exports from EAEU member countries, about 819 HS codes are subject to no reduction in import duties (MFN) and 21 items subject to preferential tariffs up to a certain limit (quota application), while the remaining HS codes (approximately 8,000 items) from a total of 8,859 eight-digit codes have been granted by Iran to them. Investigations indicate that from 2019 to the present, the trend of Iran's exports to EAEU countries has been upward, increasing from 796 million dollars in 2019 to 1,702 million dollars in 2023. Additionally, Iran's trade balance with EAEU member countries has improved from approximately negative 530 million dollars to negative 175 million dollars.

Abstract The monitoring and assessment of religiosity, especially after the Islamic Revolution, have been of interest to academic centers and decision-making bodies, leading to various surveys that are based on specific theoretical models. Each of these surveys covers unique findings and items related to its theoretical framework. Therefore, understanding these diverse data and analyses depends on recognizing the underlying models used to measure religiosity in these surveys. The aim of this report is to evaluate the models of measuring religiosity among Iranians in national surveys and to examine the strengths and weaknesses of each to determine their realism. Additionally, the most important indigenous models are discussed to assess their capacity compared to other models. The conclusion is that while surveys can depict part of the multi-layered reality of religiosity, the combined findings can reasonably indicate some cultural changes among Iranians. However, analyzing these changes requires further research and special attention to contextual conditions both within and outside the country, as various reasons, including the lack of widespread data-driven decision-making, the absence of theoretical consensus on the validity of existing measurement models, and the inaccessibility of findings to the elite community due to their sensitivity, have hindered the support for such research. Therefore, it is suggested that: 1. An executive guarantee be established for the "mandatory access to cultural data" directive approved by the Cultural Engineering Map Coordination and Management Headquarters, along with a guideline for the elite community's use of the Cultural Monitoring Center's database; 2. A comprehensive periodic survey of religiosity be supported materially and morally by relevant organizations.

Abstract Negative and unsuccessful experiences in regulatory practices in some countries, including Iran, indicate that the concept of regulation has a direct and multifaceted relationship with the political structure of governments, the dominant economic approach, and public management methods. It is unrealistic to expect that the establishment of regulatory institutions will achieve desired goals in every political structure. Complex structures require complex analytical tools; the multifaceted nature of the regulatory structure and its impact on various economic, social, and political levels necessitate a macro perspective capable of examining the multiple dimensions of this concept. Systemic thinking is a tool that can help understand, interpret, and model the dynamics of this challenge. Accordingly, this report attempts to examine the dimensions and interrelations of the variables present in the automotive regulatory system structure by presenting a systemic analysis model. For this purpose, a set of nearly two hundred influential variables in this structure has been extracted and categorized based on domestic and international studies and references. The initial structure of the model is designed with main loops including "monopolistic behavior status," "import regulation," "sales price and market status," "investment behavior status," "investment regulation," "research and development entry level," and "consumer protection status," and then all variables are logically interconnected to allow for the assessment and estimation of the effects of decisions and policies before they occur.

Abstract The admission of students based on a professor-centered approach was first introduced in section "J" of Article (230) of the first version of the Seventh Development Plan, which was removed in the Education, Research, and Technology Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly due to ambiguities in defining the professor-centered plan, conflicts of interest, etc. However, the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology approved executive regulations for this plan at the master's and doctoral levels in 2022 and began admitting students in this manner from the 2023-2024 academic year. Based on the evaluation conducted, attention to addressing the country's needs, strengthening the connection between universities and industry and society, selecting qualified individuals, and supporting elites and exceptional talents are among the strengths of the current plan. However, weaknesses such as inadequate supervisory dimensions, overlooking the limitations related to university welfare facilities, limited timing of the executive process, weaknesses in promoting and introducing the plan, insufficient utilization of young faculty members' capacities, and the lack of precise definitions of needs by executive bodies have been identified as some of the weaknesses of the plan. To improve and enhance the aforementioned plan, several suggestions have been proposed, including reducing the duration of doctoral studies to a minimum of three years, accurately defining the needs of executive bodies in collaboration with professors, revising the basis for allocating admission capacities to universities, and adjusting the conditions for host professors. Additionally, it is suggested that the timing of the announcement of calls and the evaluation process be made more flexible, and that the plan be limited to the doctoral level. Furthermore, considering the lack of definition for this type of admission in the "Law on Assessment and Admission of Students in Graduate Programs" approved in 2015 and the inability of the Assessment and Admission Council to supervise, a proposal to amend Article (5) of this law has also been put forward.

Abstract This report examines the dimensions of the "Bill Allowing the Increase of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Capital Shares in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) from Institutions Affiliated with the World Bank Group." The quotas in these institutions play a decisive role in the governance structure and influence of member countries, as the level of investment by each country determines its voting power and influence in major decision-making processes. Iran holds the 20th position in terms of quotas and voting power in the IBRD, with 1.30% of shares and 1.25% of total voting rights. In the International Finance Corporation, Iran accounts for 0.05% of total investments and 0.07% of total voting rights, ranking 102nd among member countries. According to capital increase resolutions, Iran has been allocated 3,358 shares in the IBRD's general capital increase and 2,121 shares in the selective capital increase. In the International Finance Corporation, a total of 47,426 shares have been allocated to Iran. Despite Iran's participation in these institutions, data shows that support from these two entities has been limited over the past two decades, with countries having lower quotas and voting power receiving more support. Nevertheless, participation in capital increases is essential to maintain the country's position in these international institutions.

Abstract The lack of a unified authority and the dispersion of rural affairs management among various laws and multiple executive bodies, along with the absence of necessary coordination and enforceable collaboration among these bodies, and more broadly, the weakness of the rural policy-making and planning system, as well as the lack of a systematic operational program for balanced rural development based on the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, have been among the challenges of rural management in the country in recent decades. One of the aspects that can contribute to improving rural governance, especially through effective legislation, is examining the experiences of other countries in this regard. This report, which is the fourth in a series of comparative reports on political-administrative divisions, aims to provide a clear picture of how villages are managed in Indonesia by examining "Law 2014/6 of the Republic of Indonesia on Villages," its interpretations, and related regulations. The research findings indicate that as a result of the reforms enacted under Law 2014/6, villages in Indonesia are recognized not only as the lowest level of administrative divisions but also as independent legal entities with their own authorities and rights. The law's provisions for strong institutional arrangements for rural governance, sustainable financial resources, mechanisms for local community participation in rural administration and development, and the formulation of medium- and annual development programs for villages are among the positive aspects of Law 2014/6 regarding villages.

Abstract Intangible cultural heritage is an important and inseparable part of the cultural heritage domain. However, the laws and regulations in this area are not as rich and sufficient compared to those for tangible cultural heritage. Consequently, the protection of intangible cultural heritage in Iran, in the absence of a comprehensive and effective law, has largely been limited to identifying and registering instances of intangible cultural heritage in domestic and international lists. Given the current conditions and requirements, especially the governance nature of the cultural heritage domain according to existing laws, it is appropriate to clarify and institutionalize the supportive and promotional role of the government and executive bodies responsible for this area, in all legal and executive aspects, in alignment with the grassroots movements of the people, within the framework of appropriate policy-making and legislation. Additionally, the potential and actual capacities of intangible heritage in advancing and developing the social, cultural, and political life of the country should be identified and anticipated in the proposed policy-making and legislation. Therefore, it is suggested that in the general cultural policies prepared by the Expediency Council, considerations such as support for intangible heritage in local communities and guiding the people in this regard, while adhering to Islamic-Iranian ethical principles, be taken into account. Furthermore, the enactment of a law in the area of protecting intangible heritage, emphasizing the promotion and empowerment of local communities, is deemed necessary. Thus, the actions of executive bodies can be directed not merely towards registration but towards activating and engaging the people in the bases or centers of intangible heritage.

Abstract Given the impact of a wide range of social and economic factors and the performance of various agencies and organizations in a country on population health, it is essential to view health comprehensively to understand its significance. Therefore, this report aims to elucidate the causal relationships of variables leading to the decline of community health using a dynamics model, thereby paving the way to better address the challenges in this area. Based on the findings of this research, five main cycles, including one central cycle and four amplifying cycles, are involved in the decline of community health. Key components in the central cycle include budget deficits and inflation, the quality of individual behaviors, and the coverage and depth of insurance. The four amplifying cycles include: 1. Pressure from reduced access to and effectiveness of healthcare services, 2. Pressure from weakened prevention in competition with treatment, 3. Pressure from rising treatment costs, and 4. Pressure from health threats. To address the existing challenges in Iran's health system, increasing the quality of governance through a focus on the prevention sector, evidence-based decision-making, creating a sustainable financing system, ensuring equity in resource distribution and service provision, reforming the insurance system, strengthening oversight and transparency, revising resource allocation, improving infrastructure, and increasing participation and inter-sectoral coordination are among the proposed solutions.

Abstract In Azar 1403, the production and sales index of listed industrial companies experienced increases of 1.2% and 4.7% compared to the same month of the previous year, while there were decreases of 6.2% and 4.6% compared to the previous month. In Azar 1403, the production and sales index of the automotive and parts sector decreased by 17.4% and 18.8% compared to the same month of the previous year, while there were increases of 9% and 2.4% compared to the previous month. The production index of the base metals sector decreased by 0.3% compared to the same month of the previous year, while the sales index increased by 4.2%, and compared to the previous month, the production and sales indices decreased by 6.5% and 5.2%, respectively. In Azar 1403, the monthly growth rate of prices in the listed industrial activities increased by 2.6%, and the year-on-year growth reached 25%, with a 2.7 percentage point increase compared to the previous month. Notably, the annual average price index of listed industrial activities in Azar 1403 showed a 0.3 percentage point increase compared to the previous month, indicating a 24.1% increase.

Abstract The "Support and Removal of Barriers to Agricultural Production" plan, registered as number 425 in the eleventh term, was approved by the parliament on 24/06/1400 with amendments. This plan was sent to the Guardian Council on 29/06/1400 for implementation of Article 94 of the Constitution. The Guardian Council and the Supreme Supervisory Board on the Implementation of General Policies of the System identified some provisions of this resolution as ambiguous and contrary to the Constitution and the general policies of the system, referring it back to the parliament for amendments. In the eleventh parliament, there was no opportunity to address these ambiguities and issues until it was reintroduced in the twelfth parliament as registered number 20. This report examines and clarifies the aforementioned issues and provides suggestions for their resolution.

Abstract  Agricultural exploitation systems play a crucial role in ensuring food security and the sustainability of water and soil resources. Achieving social and environmental goals while maintaining competitiveness and professionalization of management structures is among the principles emphasized in modern agricultural exploitation systems. Issues such as fragmentation of agricultural lands, capital constraints, government interference in management affairs, traditional marketing structures, weak attention to education and empowerment, and a general lack of strategic vision and developmental outlook have resulted in agricultural exploitation systems in the country lacking the necessary efficiency. In this context, with an emphasis on active and inclusive cooperatives in the agricultural sector, this research aims to provide solutions for improving the performance of these types of exploitation systems in the country by examining the experiences of countries and leading international companies, as well as diagnosing the current status of the mentioned cooperatives in the country. The findings of this research indicate that to achieve a new generation of agricultural cooperatives in the country, reforms such as employing specialized managers in the management body, complete independence of the inspection system from the executive system, improving risk management by diversifying the scope and geographical range of activities, creating financial independence, continuous education and empowerment of members and managers, establishing strategic links with universities and similar companies, ensuring effective participation of members in decision-making and policy implementation, expanding markets to national and international levels, and addressing issues such as food safety and environmental considerations have become necessary.

Abstract One of the priorities of the official and public diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to expand stable and balanced relations with Asian countries based on the model of the upcoming century—the Asian century. In this context, identifying the potential for developing parliamentary diplomacy with Indonesia, the most populous Islamic country and a member of the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as the People's Republic of China, one of the political, military, and economic poles of the world, holds significant importance in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The most important feature of parliamentary diplomacy in both countries is the active engagement of parties in the diplomatic interactions of representatives. Therefore, the creation of innovation and initiative by the two factions of the twelfth parliament in enhancing the effectiveness of political consultations with the parliaments of the mentioned countries and appointing a parliamentary diplomacy secretary in both factions enhances the cohesion and effectiveness of the diplomatic activities of the twelfth parliament. Additionally, some issues in the foreign policy domain are common among the three countries of Iran, Indonesia, and China, and the focus of the friendship groups in the twelfth parliament on outlining strategies for joint cooperation on these fundamental issues serves as a driving force for enhancing the added value of parliamentary diplomacy with the mentioned countries. Furthermore, the parliaments of all three countries hold high seats in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, which can increase their influence and role in this parliamentary institution. Utilizing Indonesia's experiences in establishing regional parliamentary assemblies and strengthening parliamentary diplomacy among the three countries is also of great importance.

Abstract  The COVID-19 pandemic had various aspects and transformed governance systems worldwide. This report seeks to find social implications from the pandemic to utilize this experience in managing future natural or human crises. The report employs big data analysis, relying on billions of content pieces produced during that time in the virtual space. Specifically, the main question of the report is why the production of the coronavirus vaccine in Iran did not lead to an increase in national confidence? The findings indicate that several factors hindered the vaccine production's impact on increasing national confidence: powerful media propaganda from adversaries, failure to adequately explain the issue and professional media reflection, and the widespread perception of political motivations behind vaccine import decisions. The Islamic Consultative Assembly has important oversight tools that can be employed in similar crises to address the barriers to increasing national confidence. These tools include: 1. Timely accountability of relevant officials, 2. Safeguarding the scientific dignity of governance and preventing political bias and factional interests from dominating, 3. Appointing a single, trusted spokesperson for the community during crises, 4. Investigating and scrutinizing related organizations, 5. Establishing a special vaccine commission in the Islamic Consultative Assembly and holding public sessions, 6. Pursuing public rights through international forums.

Abstract The monitoring network of water resources and consumption, which allows for the registration and analysis of the water sector's status from quantitative and qualitative perspectives, is one of the prerequisites for achieving optimal management and governance in the water sector and other related sectors. Therefore, examining and evaluating the status of the water monitoring network in the country provides the necessary groundwork for addressing existing deficiencies in this regard. Currently, the monitoring network has serious deficiencies in both quantitative and qualitative aspects, with evident weaknesses in station coverage, human resources, and funding. In various laws, there is no clear designation of a specific authority or main reference for monitoring the water sector, and the goals set in this regard are mostly limited to temporary laws, such as development programs. The weakness of laws and the lack of restructuring and updating guidelines will not only challenge the water sector but also hinder the realization and implementation of important obligations in the seventh development program without an efficient monitoring system. Therefore, diagnosing the current situation, outlining the desired status for the monitoring network, and evaluating the water sector are essential. In this report, while addressing these issues, a legal framework necessary for addressing the legal deficiencies related to water monitoring is proposed.

Abstract  Smart cities, in addition to relying on modern technologies, are increasingly based on smart citizens and the data they provide to urban management. This process has transformed traditional approaches and static data-based urban planning (such as comprehensive urban plans), and certainly, given the changes in patterns of education, virtual shopping, and commuting, studies based on per capita and fixed data (as in the past) will become ineffective. Therefore, the main issue of this research is the necessity of updating the urban planning process for smart cities and the supporting documents in Iran. This study, after reviewing the most successful global experiences in urban planning towards smart city development and conducting a comparative analysis, proposes an approach based on presenting smart city proposals under the supervision of each city's municipality, tailored to the smart city goals set for the city (based on the city's potentials), followed by evaluation and granting of smartness certificates by the central government, which will also create a platform for national competitiveness. Simultaneously, it is suggested that a national roadmap (smart city platform) be prepared for the country's cities, which considers the goal-setting and defining the missions of institutions and the status of cities over time, and to prevent time wastage, pilot projects should also be implemented in the proposed city groups (capital, large, medium, small cities, free zones) to diagnose issues related to procedures and tools. Additionally, one of the main proposals of this research is precise planning for educating smart citizens from schools (smart children) to universities, along with incentive policies from urban management.

Abstract The present draft, registered as number 103, was received by the Islamic Consultative Assembly on October 10, 2024. According to the single article of this draft and its subsequent notes, valid legal provisions regarding health, as well as laws and legal provisions omitted from the list of invalid laws, will be added to the mentioned list. Changes resulting from the decisions of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature and other legal requirements, such as editorial, orthographic, and spelling corrections, replacement of foreign or obscure terms, renaming of organizations, correction of dates to the Solar Hijri calendar, correction of references, and replacement of abbreviations in the Comprehensive Health Law, as well as the identification of decisions and provisions not established by legislative councils or established temporarily or experimentally, are among the issues presented in this draft.

Abstract This research, using a comparative study method, examined open universities in selected countries based on 30 variables. Open universities, which emphasize distance education, have characteristics such as diversity in study methods, flexibility in accessing resources and teaching-learning methods, continuous and diverse support for learners, use of technology in education, and the ability to study and learn anytime, anywhere, and at any pace. These universities are designed on a scale that traditional universities cannot achieve due to budgetary and organizational constraints. The key question of this research is how effectively the Payame Noor University has been able to function as an open university compared to other open universities worldwide, and where its deviations from its original goal lie. The results showed that Payame Noor University currently has the highest number of educational units, with 275 internal branches compared to other universities. According to the findings, the student-to-non-faculty staff ratio at the Open University of Australia is the highest (worst situation) at 263, while Payame Noor University has the lowest ratio (best situation) at 36 staff per student. Additionally, one very important point regarding the method of conducting educational classes is the semi-presential (self-study) course at Payame Noor University, which is not common in any open universities. Overall, this study indicates that despite the explicit mention of open and distance education in its charter, Payame Noor University significantly deviates from some characteristics of an open university.

Abstract The "Draft for the Amendment of the Law on Parliamentary Oversight of Representatives' Behavior," registered as number 89, was approved in the twelfth term of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. The Guardian Council and the Supreme Supervisory Board on the Implementation of the General Policies of the System have identified some articles of this resolution as ambiguous, contrary to Islamic law or the Constitution. To address these issues, the Internal Regulations Commission of the Assembly has approved amendments. This report will examine the report of the Internal Regulations Commission in this regard.

Abstract Continuing a series of studies focused on the issue of diminishing authority of domestic media, this report evaluates the performance of the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) based on composite media authority indicators. Assessing the authority of public service media in the field of news and information provides necessary evidence for policymakers to effectively, intelligently, and appropriately shape their policies. The final result of this research presents a clear picture of the status of the composite index measuring media authority at ISNA, based on a social survey conducted with an online questionnaire from 44 experts and researchers in the field of media and communications from January 26, 2024, to February 2, 2024, and the statistical analysis of its data. The findings indicate that ISNA has a favorable status in the indicators of "media comprehensiveness," "attention to cognitive and psychological components of users," and "trust and credibility of media" among the eight indicators of media authority; however, it is in a moderate (warning) status in four indicators: "media transparency," "innovation and distinction," "media diversity and plurality," and "organizational excellence," and in an unfavorable status in the indicator of "media independence and non-dependence." Overall, the average score in the composite media authority index is 4.42 out of 7 (above average ). The following recommendations are proposed as legislative, supervisory, and policy solutions to enhance the news authority of the Iranian Students' News Agency: 1. Allocate an independent budget line in annual budget laws; 2. Review and amend the charter and policy of ISNA in areas such as a) administrative and specialized criteria for selecting the CEO, b) designing supervisory mechanisms for the implementation of the vision document, c) revising the content of the agency's policy based on media authority indicators, d) designing feedback mechanisms from audiences and listening to experts, e) reviving the position of the Student Journalists Association of the Iranian Students' News Agency.

Abstract Internal migration (intra-provincial and inter-provincial) is one of the most important factors in demographic changes and the population growth of cities and provinces in the country. The aim of this research was to explore the causes and drivers of internal migration in Iran over the past quarter-century (1375-1400). To this end, data were collected from various sources, such as censuses, labor force statistics, and previous research. The findings indicated that internal migration in Iran is "age-selective" and "gender-selective." Most migration occurs in young and adult males for economic and employment-related reasons, while women and children migrate in their wake. Macro-level analysis showed that migrant-sending provinces have significantly higher unemployment rates, especially among university graduates, compared to migrant-receiving provinces. Additionally, human development (health, education, and welfare) has consistently influenced inter-provincial migration. In all three periods studied, provinces with higher levels of human development were predominantly migrant-receiving, while provinces with lower levels of human development were predominantly migrant-sending. Given these findings, it appears that the causes and drivers of internal migration are multi-dimensional and complex, and emphasizing a single factor is an oversimplification. Among the most important factors are those related to work (economic) and existing inequalities in the human development of geographical regions in the country. As a final conclusion, comprehensive, balanced development and reducing inequalities between geographical areas (both urban and rural, and provincial) can moderate internal migration flows in the country and improve its management.

Abstract Artificial intelligence, as a transformative technology, is rapidly growing, and this rapid growth is transforming various aspects of human life. In this context, intellectual property rights will not remain unaffected by this transformation. Artificial intelligence, by altering the concept of creativity and innovation, will disrupt the balance between the rights of the public and the private rights arising from intellectual assets; thus, intellectual property rights must restore this balance. This research focuses on the issues of the industrial property system and examines the impacts of artificial intelligence on the international intellectual property law system, analyzing the legal and ethical challenges facing the existing system. These challenges include determining the inventor and ownership of inventions created by artificial intelligence, the substantive conditions for accepting artificial intelligence inventions, the concept of innovation in works produced by artificial intelligence, and other issues raised in various branches of intellectual property law. These are contemporary global issues, and currently, significant cases such as the Dabus case regarding these challenges are open, which could lead to changes and transformations in current systems. In our country, it may also become necessary to review or amend intellectual property laws in the future, in line with changes in the international intellectual property system, to address new challenges and opportunities. In this regard, international cooperation in knowledge exchange, continuous evaluation and review of global experiences, and support for research on how the intellectual property system interacts with the requirements of the field of artificial intelligence are essential for defining frameworks.

Abstract Establishing an efficient support cycle for the entry and exit of beneficiaries and their empowerment is one of the prerequisites for the establishment of a multi-layered social security system. This research examines the empowerment and job creation process for beneficiaries of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee during the period from 2016 to 2023. To this end, after reviewing the documents and laws in this area with a critical approach, it discusses the definitions and official indicators of employment and empowerment, and after describing the general statistics and information of the beneficiaries, it analyzes the process of empowerment. The results of this research indicate that despite a twofold increase in job opportunities, the self-sufficiency rate during this period for the potential population of beneficiaries aged 18 to 60, who are not suffering from incurable diseases and are not in education, is less than 6%. Additionally, during this same period, about 35% of those who received facilities became self-sufficient. Self-sufficiency in 2023 is more than the average of the past seven years and is equivalent to 43%. Among the most important obstacles to achieving self-sufficiency goals are the reduction of the empowerment issue to job creation and the provision of facilities, and insufficient attention to other dimensions of empowerment, such as training tailored to labor market needs and the sustainability of jobs along the value chain. Solutions such as reforming and integrating the system of definitions and indicators, unifying employment policies with an emphasis on a comprehensive view of the production chain, and providing a coherent program for the country's employment institutions with specific goals and indicators by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare are recommended.

Abstract According to Clause "a" of Note "16" of the Budget Bill for the Year 2025, medical science assistants (residents) will be covered by the Social Security Law (approved on June 26, 1975) regarding health, life, and retirement insurance during their studies without any employment obligation to the government. This provision is considered a positive step to support this group due to their high working hours, full-time employment, and the necessity of insurance coverage for residents. However, it faces criticisms such as lacking a budgetary nature (contrary to Articles 52 and 65 of the Constitution and Article 182 of the Internal Regulations of the Assembly, Clause "a" of Article 13 of the Seventh Development Plan) and the absence of a specified source of funding, unclear employer responsibilities, and the consideration of life insurance as optional, provided by commercial companies. Therefore, it is initially suggested to remove the proposed provision due to its non-budgetary nature and to draft an independent bill by the government to address the issues and create transparency. If representatives insist on including this clause, it is recommended to amend it so that all medical science assistants are covered by health and retirement insurance, and the employer's share of the law's subjects is borne by the university where the student studies.