Warning Over Iran Falling Behind in the Digital Economy and the Risk of Data Dependence
Afshin Kolahi, Chairman of the Board of the Shenasa Syndicate, emphasized the importance of the digital economy, warning that if Iran fails to properly use new technologies and artificial intelligence, its gap with the rest of the world will widen, while the risk of dependence on and data dominance by other countries will become more serious.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 29th International ELECOMP Exhibition, Kolahi said one important issue is planning to use the capacities of member companies and their solutions for reducing energy consumption. Some companies offer solutions for industry and households that can both reduce energy consumption and help correct consumption patterns. He said these solutions are being considered for presentation through calls for proposals or specialized events, alongside industrial exhibitions, to facilitate information exchange among companies, industries and technology providers.
He added that industries increasingly need automation systems and smart tools to reduce energy consumption. For this, they need access to accurate and reliable data so they can make necessary changes to their processes based on available information.
Kolahi also pointed to the growing use of artificial intelligence in businesses, noting that in some European countries, small and medium-sized enterprises use AI practically in their daily activities, and that its use is not limited to tools such as chatbots.
Emphasizing that “the digital economy is a window of opportunity,” he said that if this opportunity is lost, Iran’s gap with the world will widen and the country could eventually face the risk of dependence on and data dominance by other countries.
Regarding the exhibition, Kolahi said exhibitions are not only places to introduce products and services, but also provide opportunities for networking and direct interaction among organizations. Such connections can help organizations identify each other’s needs and capacities, find areas for cooperation, and ultimately create economic partnerships and value.
He also called on the Iran Energy and Related Industries Export Federation and higher-level associations to work toward creating a better business environment for member companies and reducing existing obstacles. He questioned how the private sector’s role could be strengthened and how the government could better utilize private companies’ capacities.
Kolahi noted that extensive infrastructure projects are currently underway, but there appears to be insufficient trust in the private sector. He cited concerns that affiliated companies may have greater opportunities than independent private firms in tenders for infrastructure equipment.
He added that sanctions and recent developments have made the supply of necessary ICT infrastructure equipment more difficult. Despite these limitations, efforts are underway to address the problems and make use of available capacities.
Kolahi stressed that AI should not be treated merely as a supplementary tool for general and routine tasks. Rather, it should be integrated into companies’ core processes and specialized and operational activities. He cited countries such as Denmark, where AI use in the core activities of small and medium-sized enterprises is expanding, and said that integrating AI into the core processes of Iranian companies would allow the technology to genuinely and effectively contribute to productivity and business development.
