Overview
The Policy and Evaluation Workgroup is one of the core strategic units within the Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC). It is responsible for designing, guiding, and assessing national nanotechnology strategies and policies. Its mission is to ensure evidence-based policymaking, continuous strategic monitoring, and high-impact evaluation of Iran’s nanotechnology ecosystem. Through systematic analysis of domestic developments and international trends, the workgroup contributes to shaping Iran’s trajectory in nanoscience and nanotechnology—aligning with global standards while effectively addressing national priorities.

Key Functions
The Policy and Evaluation Workgroup carries out a wide range of tasks to support effective governance of nanotechnology in Iran. Its main functions include:

• Policy Development: Designing and recommending strategies, policies, and regulatory frameworks for the advancement of nanotechnology.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking the implementation of national nanotechnology programs and assessing their outcomes and impacts.
• Policy Research and Foresight: Studying global trends and best practices in nanotechnology policy and governance, while providing strategic foresight to guide future directions and anticipate transformative changes.
• Policy Instruments Design: Developing indicators, metrics, and tools to evaluate performance and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Advisory Role: Providing expert recommendations and guidance to national decision-makers and stakeholders.

• Enhancing Policy Systems: Improving the effectiveness, coherence, and adaptability of national policies and governance mechanisms in nanotechnology.
• Fostering Collaboration: Promoting active interaction among key actors across the three ecosystems of knowledge, innovation, and business to ensure coordinated development and shared impact.
• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Ensuring that policy choices are grounded in reliable data, rigorous analysis, and measurable outcomes.
• Impact Assessment: Evaluating not only the social and economic effects of national nanotechnology initiatives, but also steering programs and policies toward mission-oriented innovation approaches that address grand challenges and create broad public value.

• National Nanotechnology Development Plan Leadership: Steering the implementation of Iran’s National Nanotechnology Development Plan (horizon 2033), including the design of medium-term (3–4 year) programs and annual operational plans. This also involves aligning policies and initiatives with broader national priorities and long-term strategies.
• Strengthening National Participation: Expanding stakeholder engagement by mobilizing the capacities of Iran’s innovation and technology ecosystem to support the development and commercialization of nanotechnology products.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Tracking the implementation of the National Development Plan, preparing and publishing annual performance reports, and submitting progress updates to national policy-making bodies.
• Strategic Foresight and Evaluation: Conducting systematic monitoring of domestic and international nanotechnology trends, organizing foresight and technology-tracking projects, building national nanotechnology databases, and assessing social and economic impacts to guide mission-oriented innovation policies.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Managing knowledge and information systems for nanotechnology development, enhancing IT infrastructure, and strengthening data governance to ensure evidence-based policymaking and informed decision processes.

Looking Ahead
The Policy and Evaluation Workgroup remains committed to shaping a resilient and forward-looking nanotechnology ecosystem in Iran. By continuously integrating evidence-based insights, fostering collaboration across knowledge, innovation, and business ecosystems, and anticipating emerging global trends, the group aims to guide the nation toward impactful, mission-oriented innovation. Its long-term vision is to ensure that Iran not only advances in nanoscience and technology but also translates these advancements into tangible social, economic, and environmental benefits for society.