Although the working group formed to evaluate knowledge-based companies has considered special conditions for identifying a company as a knowledge-based company, and specialists and experts in each field of technology must confirm the scientific competence of that company. However, after 6 years and with continuous support, the number of knowledge-based companies exceeded 5,000 in the year of the “Production Leap.”
According to the Communication and Information Center of the Presidential Vice-President’s Office of Science and Technology, after 6 years since the serious start of the national campaign to develop an ecosystem based on the knowledge-based economy by the Vice-President’s Office of Science and Technology, the official number of knowledge-based companies exceeded 5,000 in 2020.
Considering the formation of a special committee in the Vice-President’s Office of Science to review previous trends and considering the naming of this year by the Supreme Leader as “Production Leap,” this event can be seen as a public sign of the progressive sphere of resetting the country’s knowledge-based economy ecosystem.
Surena Sattari, Vice President for Science and Technology, considers it necessary to combine the power and will of all relevant agencies for the further development of the ecosystem and the greater success of knowledge-based companies, and if this is realized, she has promised that the number of these companies will go much further than this.
Allocation of 110 support packages
In addition to daily and ad hoc support, the Vice President for Science and Technology has developed 110 effective support packages over time. These numerous and comprehensive support packages have played a decisive role in strengthening the motivation of technology activists and university cores to move beyond the theoretical circle and take their ideas towards commercialization and mass production in the form of knowledge-based companies.
Referring to these 110 support packages, Seyyed Mohammad Sahebkar Khorasani, Head of the Center for Knowledge-Based Companies of the Presidential Scientific and Technological Support, said: “Evaluating and judging ideas and technological products is not an easy task and requires diligence and accuracy to make the least mistake in accepting an idea.”
He said: “Installment sales of knowledge-based products, providing facilities from the National Development Fund and the Innovation and Prosperity Fund, tax and customs exemptions, and military service facilities are among the support packages that are provided to knowledge-based companies to assist them in the work process.”
Insurance Services
In addition, the Deputy for Science and Technology intends to diversify its support items in 2020. Exemption from insurance premiums for contracts is one of the important services through which knowledge-based contracts can be exempted from insurance premiums concluded based on knowledge-based products and goods produced in knowledge-based companies. Also, based on the memorandum of understanding between the Presidential Vice Presidency for Science and Technology and several insurance companies, qualified knowledge-based companies can benefit from some facilities in obtaining various insurance policies in accordance with laws and regulations.
Conscription facilities
Conscription facilities, establishment support, market development, and special export support packages are among other items that knowledge-based companies receive to develop the market for their knowledge-based products.
Obtaining a permit to perform conscription service for key employees in knowledge-based and technology companies is among the cases that have been made possible with the special consideration of the Leader of the Revolution. These facilities are provided in three categories: carrying out a project to replace service in defense and state institutions, a command in a knowledge-based company, and carrying out a project to replace service in a knowledge-based company
Market development
Also, for the quantitative and qualitative expansion of knowledge-based companies and in line with “meeting the technological needs of large industries”, facilities such as installment sales of knowledge-based materials and goods have been considered to stimulate the demand side, which will replace imported goods with knowledge-based products.
Export
The package of support for the export of knowledge-based products of the Presidential Vice-President for Science and Technology also includes 12 separate services. Preparing international market research reports, mentoring and consulting, obtaining export certificates and licenses, and profit subsidies for export facilities are among these. Supporting participation in foreign exhibitions is also part of this service.
Stock Exchange and OTC
Given the boom in the stock exchange, more attention has been paid to this specific type of capital market. The Presidential Vice-President for Science and Technology has conducted extensive consultations to facilitate the entry of knowledge-based companies and idea owners, and memorandums of understanding have been signed for this purpose. The creation of an intellectual property market, which was welcomed by inventors and patent owners, is also among the measures taken in this area.
Business Development Program
Among the most prominent services included in this package are the consulting services provided by the Knowledge-Based Companies Center of the Presidential Vice-President for Science and Technology, which are provided in 52 topics. The business of knowledge-based companies also needs a written and planning-based plan to develop and take steps towards the next stage. Accordingly, the Presidential Vice-President for Science and Technology, using experts and specialists in each field, offers various services to managers of knowledge-based companies. Holding question-and-answer sessions with the presence of experts and providing management consulting are among these services that are provided to knowledge-based companies continuously throughout the year.
From National Development Fund facilities to additional advertising rights on the Iranian Broadcasting System
Knowledge-based companies also enjoy other very special privileges, such as additional advertising rights on the Iranian Broadcasting System and support for promoting the activities of knowledge-based companies in the media. In addition, knowledge-based companies are eligible to benefit from the Fund’s facilities.