TEHRAN – Iran's proposal to develop standards for artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) has been received, accepted, and will be implemented within a roadmap by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

“It is not a typical administrative achievement. It underlines Iran's expertise at the international level, which allows the country to be at the forefront of designing the rules governing emerging technologies,” IRIB quoted Mohammad-Hossein Sheikhi, an official with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, as saying.

LLMs are at the heart of modern artificial intelligence. Iran’s participation in the development of these technical frameworks is a smart approach in response to rapid global developments, which guarantees the national interests.

The strategic achievement represents the country’s wise transition from a technology consumer to an active and knowledgeable participant in developing global rules, which establishes the country’s scientific authority in AI, and consolidates its scientific position in the region and the world, the official added.

15 AI labs to be established at universities

The Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology plans to launch 15 AI laboratories at universities across the country to develop and test fundamental AI models.

The headquarters for AI technology development has been established in this regard, IRNA quoted Mohammad-Hadi Zahedi, an official with the science ministry, as saying.

Reference laboratories will be set up at top universities, proportional to their scientific work, publications, and products, as well as the number of students and professors, Zahedi said.

The establishment of a specialized working group for the development of educational courses with a focus on interdisciplinary training programs in AI, he added.

Launching an AI development fund, addressing and maintaining AI privacy, security, data governance, and regulatory compliance are among the issues that need to be considered, Zahedi concluded.

According to Nature Index, the country’s ranking in scientific production in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has improved from 33 to 30, placing the country among the top 50 leaders, Hossein Afshin, an official with the vice-presidency of science and technology, has said.

Iran’s ranking in the region fluctuates between 14 and 17, which is mainly due to focusing on quality, he said, adding, “We’re optimistic to improve the country’s scientific position within the next two years,” IRNA reported.

The official went on to say that the country is following up on developing AI infrastructure, including the AI platform and the AI assistant, in the near future.

According to the latest report by Oxford Insights index, which measures government readiness for implementing AI in public services, Iran ranks 91st among 188 countries, moving up three positions compared to 94th in 2023.

AI has a key role to play –not just in governing the technology, but in helping governments perform better.

The Government AI Readiness Index has become a trusted resource for policymakers, adopted as an official benchmark by national governments.

In this year’s edition, the AI readiness of 188 countries is examined at a time of growing complexity, where governments face evolving citizen needs and challenges like economic uncertainty, climate risks, and rising inequalities.

MT/MG