Systematic Pathology of Technology Transfer and the Development of the Oil Industry in Iran

Abstract

The oil industry in Iran, as one of the country’s foundational sectors and a primary source of government revenue, plays a pivotal role in national development and advancement. Given the strategic position of this industry, the necessity for self-sufficiency—especially in recent years and in light of economic sanctions imposed on the country—has gained the attention of policymakers. Consequently, technology transfer in this domain has become an inevitable objective. This article attempts to diagnose the challenges and shortcomings of technology transfer within Iran’s oil industry. To this end, by reviewing scholarly articles, grey literature, and conducting interviews with experts, the barriers to effective technology transfer have been assessed and analyzed. The research findings provide a clear picture of the current landscape of technology transfer in the oil industry. Key challenges identified include deficiencies in the structure of technology transfer contracts, disagreements among officials and managers regarding technology transfer policies, lack of skilled human resources, dominance of traditional approaches to technology transfer and development, weaknesses in the intellectual property regime, insufficient incentives for technology-providing firms, low absorptive capacity, inadequate governmental support, lack of proper infrastructure for technology transfer, inappropriate environments for technology transfer, exploitation-based operational models, absence of clearly defined technology strategies, and a lack of comprehensive perspective toward technology management in the oil sector.