Iran aims to join the top 10 AI superpowers but faces major challenges including inadequate infrastructure, talent exodus, and geopolitical isolation. The nation’s lack of investment in R&D, energy crises, and substantial public sector limitations further impede its ambitions for AI supremacy. Unless these systemic issues are addressed, Iran’s dream may remain a distant hope rather than a reality.
Iran has set an ambitious goal to rank among the world’s top 10 AI superpowers. Recently, at the ‘AI and Future Civilization’ conference, Mohammad Mokhber, a senior official, reaffirmed this vision, emphasizing a shift from being an AI consumer to a developer. Despite its aspirations, Iran’s lack of infrastructure, skilled workforce, and political realities pose significant challenges to its AI ambitions, suggesting that this goal may not be realistic.
Mokhber’s strategy focuses on nurturing youth, enhancing education, promoting research, and supporting tech startups—key components for a sustainable AI ecosystem. However, Iran’s infrastructure falls short, as evidenced by its 94th ranking in the Government AI Readiness Index 2024, trailing behind regional competitors like the UAE and Israel. Investments in technology by its neighbors outpace Iran significantly, exposing a further gap in both policy execution and strategic alignment.
A solid foundation is pivotal for any country aspiring to lead in AI, requiring comprehensive support systems, including high-speed internet, reliable energy, and innovative research. Unlike leaders such as the U.S. and China that invest heavily in advanced computing and startup cultures, Iran grapples with significant infrastructural deficiencies. These include inadequate data and computing resources that hinder its capability to conduct large-scale AI research and training.
Iran’s connectivity issues are exacerbated by international sanctions limiting access to high-performance computing technologies and modern infrastructure. The U.S. has imposed strict export controls on essential semiconductor technology, which Iran needs for its computing power, creating a considerable barrier to its AI ambitions despite the nation’s mineral potential for domestic chip manufacturing.
The outflow of talent compounds Iran’s AI challenges, with nearly 180,000 educated individuals emigrating annually. This brain drain disrupts the nation’s ability to establish a strong tech ecosystem, as economic conditions and political issues drive many professionals to leave. Surveys have shown a significant portion of students aspire to emigrate, limiting the workforce needed for AI development.
Energy shortages present another critical hurdle for AI growth in Iran. Despite having abundant natural gas resources, the nation faces power deficits that have led to widespread outages. This is a significant concern for AI systems that require stable electricity for operations, contrasting starkly with the strategies of AI leaders who invest in reliable energy solutions.
In contrast with the world’s AI frontrunners, Iran’s investment in research and development is minimal, with only $115 million allocated to AI research in 2025. This amount is trifling compared to the multi-billion-dollar investments in R&D by the United States and China, which possess advanced research institutions and global collaboration, both currently lacking in Iran.
A vital element for AI success is the presence of a dynamic private sector that can innovate and implement AI applications. However, Iranian firms face severe restrictions due to limited market access, funding, and technological capabilities. These challenges, coupled with economic sanctions, stifle the potential of its private sector, preventing it from integrating into the global AI landscape.
Iran’s geopolitical isolation and ongoing sanctions further limit its technological growth, restricting international collaboration and investment, and perpetuating its disconnect from advancements in AI. Countries leading in AI are not only restricting technology transfers but are also creating protective measures that compound this divide.
In addition to these hurdles, systemic issues such as public sector adoption, strategic investments, and lack of a regulatory framework impede Iran’s AI progression. The country has not developed policies to promote ethical AI use nor improved public awareness necessary for societal acceptance of new technologies.
While Iran’s ambition to become a top AI player is commendable, it faces a harrowing journey due to entrenched issues such as talent outflow, infrastructure deficits, and political limitations. Without decisive reforms and substantial international partnerships, it risks remaining entrenched in its aspirations without tangible progress.
Iran’s aspiration to become an AI superpower is ambitious but faced with daunting challenges. From infrastructure and human capital shortages to geopolitical isolation, these obstacles hinder progress. To turn its vision into reality, Iran must adopt strategic reforms, foster international collaborations, and invest in necessary technological infrastructure. Only through a pragmatic approach can Iran hope to bridge the significant gap between its aspirations and the realities it faces in the quest for AI supremacy.
Original Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
