President of Imam Hussein University:
Iran targets top five global AI ranking
AI diplomacy efforts on whole new level
Iran has been making strides in the field of artificial intelligence, with the country’s leaders recognizing its potential impact on the global power structure. In an interview with Iran Daily, Mohammad Reza Hasani Ahangar, the president of Imam Hussein University in Tehran and a member of Iran’s National Steering Council of Artificial Intelligence, sheds light on the country’s ambitions, strategies, and unique approach to this groundbreaking technology. As the world grapples with the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI, Iran is positioning itself as a key player, aiming to leverage AI for its national development and influence on the world stage.
By Amirhossein Somali
Guest contributor
IRAN DAILY: What are some capacities of artificial intelligence (AI) that the Islamic Republic of Iran can leverage for optimal governance?
HASANI AHANGAR: Artificial intelligence represents a new frontier in the distribution of international power. The situation today is comparable to that of the Industrial Revolution, but AI is the driving force behind the recent transformation. We will soon witness a new revolution and extraordinary changes in the world, similar to the profound impacts of the Industrial Revolution. However, the scope of this upcoming revolution is significantly broader. The technological divide has categorized countries into “leaders” and “followers,” and this divide is now evident in the realm of AI as well.
While the Industrial Revolution introduced complex, orderly environments, AI deals with complex, chaotic, and highly unpredictable environments. The serious challenges posed by the latter environment necessitate that rulers approach problem-solving with knowledge of AI and its technologies.
Fortunately, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, substantial capacities have been utilized so far, driven by the continuous demand from the Leader of Iran’s Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in the fields of AI and cognitive sciences, particularly over the past 12 years. These capacities are noteworthy in several areas:
1. Human capital development: There has been a focused effort by Iranian universities and scientific centers to expand disciplines that foster the training of specialized human capital in AI.
2. Establishment of laboratories: Numerous laboratories dedicated to AI have been created within our scientific centers and universities. This means our substantial human capital in universities has the environment to demonstrate knowledge, validate it, translate it into technology, and shape the AI ecosystem.
3. Infrastructure mechanisms: Various mechanisms have been designed that can have a significant impact from an infrastructural perspective.
These three capacities collectively expedite the formation of the AI ecosystem. We believe that the positive strides made in the country over the past decade have brightened the future. The vision for this domain, shaped by the strategies proposed by the Leader, has driven the governance to aim for Iran to be among the top ten countries globally in this field. This means being a leading country, capable of utilizing these capacities to achieve the set objectives.
What specific strategies does the Leader of Iran’s Revolution emphasize regarding artificial intelligence?
The Leader believes that while significant and commendable efforts have been made in the field of artificial intelligence in Iran, they are not sufficient. He emphasizes the need for “speed of action” and expects progress in this area to accelerate. This urgency is twofold: one in relation to the Islamic Republic’s own capacity and the other in relation to the advancements of other countries. Success in this field requires a comprehensive and precise understanding of AI — both at a strategic level and with awareness of the plans and strategies of competitors, including their short-term and long-term agendas.
Is there currently a formal document on artificial intelligence approved in the country?
At present, several documents have been drafted by various institutions. The Ministry of Communications and the National Center for Cyberspace have prepared a document, and the Minister of Communications has promised its final presentation. Additionally, the Council of the Cultural Revolution has developed a document, and the Center for Artificial Intelligence, operating under the Council for Artificial Intelligence, is also working on one.
Each of these documents approaches the topic from a specific angle. Therefore, a comprehensive roadmap for the AI ecosystem is necessary. We face a chain of issues, not just those related to knowledge and scientific production. The ecosystem encompasses everything from the initial idea to knowledge creation, transforming knowledge into technology, converting technology into products, and commercializing those products. Only after these stages can society truly perceive how AI accelerates their activities. Thus, the AI ecosystem requires a comprehensive roadmap.
Can mastering AI significantly empower any country that excels in it on the international stage?
AI must be considered in two dimensions. Currently, the technical and engineering aspects of AI receive the most attention, but I believe the core of AI lies in the philosophy of mind. This involves designing a governance system that utilizes AI, and I believe this area, despite its importance, receives less attention. Yet, the main power struggle among the world’s political powers centers on this domain, and the distribution of international power stems from it, rather than from the technical and engineering fields. The technical and engineering aspects are powerful tools for rulers who prioritize the philosophy of mind and cognitive sciences.
How does Iran’s approach to artificial intelligence differ from prevalent global approaches?
The difference lies in the guiding principles. For the Islamic Republic, these guiding principles are crucial. For instance, the human and ethical issues of AI are significant topics that the West pays less attention to. A comprehensive document to be drafted will certainly dedicate a section to these issues, deriving its chapters from Islamic principles and the thoughts of the leaders of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. This is perhaps the most important distinguishing feature of the document that Iran will draft compared to other AI documents worldwide.
In our comprehensive roadmap for the AI ecosystem, we consider topics such as knowledge and research domains, scientometrics and algorithm standardization, legal infrastructure design, technologies and innovations, products, hardware infrastructure, the expansion of laboratories, platforms and applications, social networks, and language models. These are crucial for intelligent governance, especially in economics, commerce, health, and education. Addressing these topics requires a correct philosophical view of AI.
What do you think is the current major challenge for the Islamic Republic in achieving its AI goals?
Although we have developed numerous strategic maps and documents, I believe we face a significant challenge: institutional mapping. Institutional mapping means creating a national and international division of labor in AI. It needs to be precisely determined which institutions and universities will play roles in advancing and solving various AI-related issues. This division of labor must be done in a way that fosters synergy and coherence. Alongside drafting national documents, institutional divisions of labor are essential to help achieve the goals set in these documents.
Strategically, what is the significance of AI for the future of Iran?
To answer this question, we must have a proper understanding of the future world and the global power structure. Iran’s Leader speaks of a new world order, and we need to see the direction of the serious competitors of the Islamic Republic under such conditions. Unfortunately, the world is controlled by a small elite group, largely from Zionist banking families, who try to dictate their desired direction for the world and pull other countries along with their agenda. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolution is not intended to be a player in their scheme.
Islamic Iran intends to discover and chart its future independently; it aims to act as a director in the international arena, not just a player. We are not seeking international power through conquest; instead, we aim to introduce the principles of pure Islam and the ideological framework of the leaders of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, which we believe contributes to the well-being of humanity. The current world is thirsty for such ideas because, despite all the advancements in science and technology, Western civilization has not brought peace to the world. Western civilization, in fact, is built on a foundation of blood, with 70 million deaths in World Wars I and II, and the current massacre in Gaza, being the result of advanced technologies of Western civilization. The foundation of our international power is scientific authority, and the driver of scientific authority now and in the future is artificial intelligence.
Currently, the Americans might be the leaders in this field. They focus on software, infrastructure, and hardware, effectively leading global AI efforts. The Chinese have developed their AI plan for 2050, aiming for global AI leadership by then. They focus on infrastructure and human capital development, recognizing their weakness in human resources and thus designing comprehensive programs to familiarize new generations with AI concepts. Russia is pursuing its strategic plans differently; it aims to smarten its weaponry and focus on social capital to establish itself as a leading AI-based global power. Putin unveiled this plan in 2017, describing the main strategy and comprehensive roadmap for Russia over the next forty years. The Islamic Republic of Iran also has its unique strategies, which I have explained.
What is Iran’s current position in the field of artificial intelligence compared to other countries?
Presently, the United States, China, and Russia, followed by Germany and Japan, are leading in the automation of factories through the use of various robots to reduce the need for human labor. The European Union is focusing on the risks and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, emphasizing human-centric and ethical approaches. They have formed various consortia and are actively engaged in this field. Canada and India are also among the leading countries in this area.
Currently, Iran ranks among the top 15 to 17 countries worldwide in terms of scientific and academic output. However, in terms of technology and its application, Iran is ranked 75th, which is not very favorable. In practical applications, it ranks 95th. It should be noted that some related data might pertain to classified sectors, which are naturally not reflected in statistical assessments. For instance, in the military domain, artificial intelligence algorithms are certainly utilized but are less frequently included in metrics and parameters.
Our goal is to be among the top 10 countries in the three areas mentioned. The technology gap in artificial intelligence between Iran and the world is not significant. Our objective is to be among the top five countries globally in this field, as the primary foundation for this work is human capital, and fortunately, our country is well-positioned in terms of human resources.
What characteristics define artificial intelligence as a component of power in the international arena?
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in shaping international power. Possessing knowledge, technology, and AI-based products will be a power-building factor for the Islamic Republic. Human capital, infrastructure, focus, attention, and data storage and data governance capabilities are extraordinarily important subjects.
In the new world where future generations will live, key resources will no longer be fossil fuels, which will not hold significant added value. What will generate high added value will be data, as well as the processing and analysis of data, which brings knowledge. Whoever possesses knowledge holds power.
The vast amount of data available on the internet, which is continuously increasing, poses a challenge for future management. Can humans manage this volume of data with traditional programs? Certainly not. The management, governance, and data mining will be based on artificial intelligence algorithms. Any country with this capability will be powerful. In the comprehensive plan to be developed, both national and international levels will be considered, and the development of multinational companies will also be on the agenda.
What are the obstacles and challenges facing the development of artificial intelligence in Iran?
The first challenge is the lack of precise understanding and awareness of the overall impact that AI can have on governance. This issue is fundamental for advancing all scientific fields with the aim of addressing a country’s systemic problems. Once a thorough and accurate understanding is achieved, organizing, systematizing, and solving these problems with the help of AI become the next steps.
The role of universities in advancing this issue and creating a discourse around it is also crucial. Iran’s Imam Hussein University, as a state-owned university, has prioritized addressing these matters. In terms of human capital, we are in a favorable position, and AI has a strong presence in academic disciplines. Our scientific output is relatively satisfactory, but in management and execution, there is still a lack of effective connections with human capital, which needs attention. The country’s major automotive, petrochemical, and steel industries, among others, should gradually redefine their activities based on AI technologies. Additionally, knowledge-based companies, tech units, innovation hubs, and startups need to be strengthened. Both public and private sector managers must pay special attention to this policy.
Do you think artificial intelligence can surpass humans?
Scientists have two perspectives on this issue. One view is that AI can surpass humans, creating significant risks regarding human control and potentially dominating humans. The second view, contrary to the first, holds that nothing can replace humans in this world. As an expert, I agree with the second perspective. I believe that the principles that have shaped this world, created by God Almighty — the ultimate intelligent creator — will not disappear. However, we must not ignore the natural consequences of mismanaging AI. There are numerous challenges, particularly in cultural, social, and even legal domains, that countries around the world, especially developing countries, face.
This is why an international consortium has been formed. AI diplomacy is an extremely important issue that should be prioritized by our country’s statesmen. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in particular, should focus on this area. Our legal experts and judiciary must work on this issue. Currently, international legal frameworks related to AI, along with standards, regulations, and guidelines, are being developed. We must diligently follow and sign the most effective global standards and guidelines.
About five years ago, a protocol was signed by 192 countries, including Iran. A consortium of leading countries in AI is now forming to control AI development and seeking to monopolize AI discussions among a few countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran must pay close attention to these legal dimensions, and our legal experts must be proactive. Iran has established a team to advance active AI diplomacy. We must ensure that some countries do not unjustly interfere with our legitimate rights to use technology.