Providing A Framework for AI Infrastructure in Iran, With A Focus on Service Providers and Service Aggregators of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the key technologies of the current era which plays a significant role in the advancement of countries. The development of this technology calls for appropriate infrastructure, which contributes to its effective application across various sectors. Despite the advancements in developed countries, developing nations face multiple challenges such as limited access to the Internet, shortage of experts, and bureaucratic hurdles. To fill this gap, this paper aims to provide a framework for the different levels of AI development infrastructure in Iran, designed in two phases. In the first phase, a preliminary framework for infrastructure was developed by reviewing international studies and experiences. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with domestic experts were conducted, and their content was analyzed to propose a final infrastructure framework tailored to the conditions of Iran. This framework comprises six main infrastructural levels including High-speed data networks and exchange, Computational infrastructure, Data storage infrastructure, Core models and algorithms, Software and frameworks, and Applications, at two levels of AI service provider and aggregator operators. Considering the peculiarities of developing countries, particularly Iran, proper development of AI infrastructure seems unlikely unless government intervenes in favor of the establishment of AI service providers and service aggregators operators. Our findings provide insights and implications at the policy and management level for both policymakers and managers of the ICT sector, and particularly artificial intelligence.