Reflection on Science and Technology Events in Iran During the Last Two Centuries (Before and after the Islamic Revolution)

Historical evidence proposes that in Iran, attention to science and technology for the development of the country began some 200 years ago. This article studies and reviews historical documents and resources and go through the most important government actions in the fields of public education, higher education, research and technology, and their criticism in three historical Qajar periods (since the time of Abbas Mirza chancellorship), Pahlavi and the Islamic Republic. Establishment of new schools instead of old ones, adoption of the law requiring public education, establishment of universities, rapid growth in literacy, quantitative and qualitative growth of higher education, increasing the number of scientific publications and technological development in strategic areas such as Missile technology and nuclear technology have been the most important policy events in the field of science and technology in Iran for the last two centuries. Also, dependency on foreign countries, especially during the Qajar and Pahlavi era, bureaucratic dominance in the field of science and technology and international sanctions are the most important policy issues in the field of science and technology that the country has been faced. However, since the victory of the Islamic Revolution and despite external obstacles, especially imposed war and international sanctions, widespread achievements have been made in the field of science and technology.