26th International Association for Management of Technology Conference - IAMOT 2017

Knowledge-Based Companies Supporting Law is one of the main supporting programs in Iran for the purpose of accelerating development of technology and innovation in national level. In order to achieve best results in the process of implementation of the program, a product list including a classification of technology areas and products has been developed. After a while, the product list became one of the main characteristics of the Knowledge-Based Supporting program and its development represents the changes of the program’s scope over time. We investigate the formation and development process of knowledge-based product list in Iran as well as its associated policy learning. In this paper as a descriptive case study, after introducing similar classifications, the formation and development process of knowledge-based product list in Iran as well as its associated policy learning is investigated. In this regard we used related reports and documents and in order to obtain better information, interviews has been conducted with main players that were involved in development and modification process of knowledge-based product list. Key findings include main experiences from developing Knowledge-based product list in Iran and implications for policy makers seeking to implement measures in support of technology and innovation development. In developing countries, governments play a critical role in innovation, as many entrepreneurs and SMEs may face lack of financing for innovation activities. Representing experiences from a relatively mature program that’s designed to support technology and innovation development in a developing country can help policy makers to develop better policies with the lessons we learned from these experiences.