TEHRAN – Sharif University of Technology has launched the first joint science and technology park at Baghdad University, after one and a half years of continuous cooperation between the two universities.
The project was launched in the presence of Sharif University of Technology Rector Masoud Tazirisi and Baghdad University Rector Baha Ibrahim Insaf, IRNA reported on Wednesday.
This is a five-year plan in which Sharif University of Technology will share 20 years of experience and knowledge in establishing science and technology parks with Baghdad University.
The plan consists of three stages. Each stage includes specific steps, deliverables, and deliverables.
The first phase of establishing the science and technology park has been completed. The project includes four steps. Allocate the space you need. Find faculty members with diverse specialties from Baghdad University to support commercialization of research results. Analyze opportunities and threats. And finally, it will draft legal provisions and regulations to strengthen the areas of technology, innovation, and start-up establishment in Iraq’s science, research, and technology ecosystem.
Iraq seeks Iranian expertise to establish science and technology park
In January, Iraq’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Naeem Al-Abdi, met with Minister of Science and Technology Hossein Simai Salaf and announced Iraq’s interest in benefiting from Iran’s experience and knowledge in establishing a science and technology park.
“Regulations have been passed for technology parks established in the country, and we are ready to take advantage of Iranian expertise,” the official said, according to IRNA news agency, highlighting Iran’s strong capabilities in the technology field.
“Strengthening cooperation between Iraqi and Iranian universities will improve the scientific capabilities of both countries and help solve their problems,” Al-Abdi said.
He also stressed that scientific cooperation between Iran and Iraq should be on par with political and cultural relations.
Highlighting Iran’s extensive experience in establishing technology and knowledge-based enterprises, Simaei Saraf said that Iran is ready to share its experience in establishing science and technology parks and support Iraq through consultations and providing investment opportunities.
The official also announced that Iranian universities such as Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology and Mashhad Ferdowsi University will open branches in Iraq.
Noting the common interests and commonalities between Iran and Iraq, he said that existing agreements and memorandums should be implemented as both countries are interested in developing relations in the field of science and technology.
In December 2024, President Simai Saraf announced the readiness to establish a joint science and technology park in Iraq.
The official also expressed Iran’s interest in attracting talented and motivated Iraqi students, especially to universities in border cities.
IRNA reports that Iraqi students are required to study in Farsi, adding that the Iraqi government welcomes the idea.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Haider Abd Dahed, Deputy Minister of Iraq’s Ministry of Higher Education. Both officials emphasized their interest in expanding scientific ties through the exchange of students, research and technology.