Determining the Strategies to Develop the Framework for the Establishment of a National Sustainability Impact Assessment System in Iran

This study conducted to develop the framework for the establishment of a SIA system in Iran. Accordingly, cross-cultural survey method was employed to assess the standpoints regarding ontology, concepts, methodology, approaches, and experiences. Interviewed people was elected by the purposive method of critical case sampling. Perspectives of scientists (7 people), experts (6 people), politicians (6 people) and NGO members (5 people) were explored and analyzed about seven issues and key concepts including ontology, ontology, stockholders and actors, the orientation and the priorities, regulation and rules issues, the position of universities and research institutes, and implementation level of SIA. Results revealed that there is a positive perceptions toward the effectiveness of SIA in organizing of developments plans, however, there are a few conflicts and dilemma about relationship of SIA with EIA. Some perceived SIA as sub-EIA. It shows a lack of suitable capacity and suitable epistemologies assumptions among national stockholders of sustainable development. Based on findings, a plan consists of five steps was developed. It includes: capacity building, institutional development and equipment, planning, implementation, evaluation. Finally, highlighting capacity building in organizations and institutes which are affected and effected on development plans in different timelines were recommended.