The Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi has emphasized transition from a traditional government to a platform-based one.
He identified the integration of information systems, improvement of data quality, and stronger cooperation between government agencies and the private sector as essential requirements for achieving data-driven governance and improving public services.He made the remarks in a specialized meeting titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Transformation of Government” held jointly by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and the Plan and Budget Organization of Iran. The meeting was chaired by Hashemi and was held at the Plan and Budget Organization on Monday.
During the meeting, Hashemi explained the requirements for transition from a traditional government to a platform-based government.
He stated that digital transformation does not take place solely in the field of technology; rather, it depends on cooperation among different government institutions and reforms in governance processes.
Referring to the need to reconsider conventional approaches to e-government, he added that providing technological infrastructure and platforms is part of the Ministry of Communications’ responsibilities.
“However, achieving digital transformation requires the cooperation and participation of all government agencies,” the Minister added.
Hashemi noted that, despite Iran’s considerable potential in infrastructure and human resources, the country faces challenges in delivering high-quality services to its citizens, as reflected in international indicators. “Addressing these challenges requires a change in the country’s governance approach,” he added.
Emphasizing moving away away from a control-oriented government toward a platform-based, ecosystem-driven model, Hashemi said the government should act as a facilitator and make use of the private sector’s capabilities to deliver integrated services tailored to people’s needs.
He added that the country’s approach to designing these ecosystems draws on international experience and standards while taking Iran’s institutional, legal, and economic realities into account.
Register-Based Census
The ICT Minister described the implementation of a register-based census in 1405 on the Iranian calendar (2026–2027) as an important step toward developing data-driven governance.
Under this approach, Hashemi noted, the required information is collected by matching and combining data already available in the country’s information databases.
According to Hashemi, this method can reduce time and costs while improving data accuracy.
“It can also support more effective planning, more precise identification of priorities, and more targeted allocation of resources.”
“Access to up-to-date data would enable more accurate decision-making without relying on the long intervals between traditional censuses,” he stated.
Moving Toward Integrated Services
Hashemi identified the integration of the country’s information systems as another priority for the Ministry of Communications.
He stated that approximately 3,200 systems have been identified across the country. “Information technology infrastructure must be developed to enable interoperability and data exchange between these systems.”
Referring to the implementation of the “Iran-Boum” initiative under President Masoudb Pezeshkian’s administration, he explained that more than 16 ecosystems have been identified across various sectors, including healthcare, education, financial services, and taxation.
“The initiative aims to replace the development of separate, disconnected systems with a sector-based, ecosystem-oriented approach to service delivery.”
The minister said that preparations for the initiative are in their final stages and predicted that a call for participation would be announced in the near future, with the involvement of the private sector.
In another part of his speech, Hashemi des
cribed data-driven governance as a strategic necessity for increasing productivity and making better use of the country’s resources.
He emphasized that, given resource constraints and economic pressures, reliable and accurate data can improve decision-making and increase the effectiveness of public policies.
He added that data-driven governance cannot be achieved merely by issuing administrative directives and adopting regulations. It also requires the delivery of high-quality, efficient services that meet the needs of the public.
The minister further said that moving beyond narrow organizational interests and working toward shared objectives requires collaboration, consistent implementation of programs, and a clear vision for the future.
Hashemi also emphasized that government agencies should not treat data as their exclusive property.
He stated that data should be used to improve service quality and respond to citizens’ needs. Keeping information exclusively within individual organizations to protect narrow institutional interests is incompatible with the principles of data-driven governance.
Targeted Investment in AI
The ICT Minister identified policy stability and innovative financing methods as essential conditions for technological development.
He warned that frequent, hasty policy changes and the adoption of contradictory regulations could create obstacles to investment in technology.
He therefore stressed establishing conditions that enable businesses and private-sector companies to plan their long-term activities with greater confidence.
Emphasizing the need to reconsider investment strategies in artificial intelligence, Hashemi said that the development of AI infrastructure should be based on the country’s actual needs, clearly defined priorities, and problems that can realistically be addressed.
“Before allocating limited resources, the objectives, functions, and expected outcomes of investments must be carefully assessed to ensure that resources are directed toward serving the public interest.”
In conclusion, Hashemi described the continuation of joint meetings and stronger private-sector participation as essential to advancing digital transformation.
He stressed that achieving digital transformation and establishing data-driven governance require ongoing dialogue, coordination, and cooperation among government agencies so that emerging technologies can be used to improve public services and support the country’s development.