INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN IRAN: HISTORY, SCENARIO AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

This thesis provides a comprehensive historical and analytical overview of the evolution of information technology (IT) in Iran, tracing its journey from the early introduction of computing systems in the 1960s to the present era of artificial intelligence and the digital economy. It highlights how IT evolved from limited institutional use to becoming an integral part of public, private, and everyday life, supported by growing infrastructure, local capabilities, and policy initiatives. The study also explores the emergence of digital platforms, changing communication networks, the role of entrepreneurship in the tech sector, and state-driven strategies in artificial intelligence. Special attention is given to challenges posed by sanctions, censorship, and infrastructural gaps, as well as emerging opportunities in AI, big data, and e-governance. By documenting Iran’s digital transformation, the thesis offers insights into the country’s technological resilience and its aspirations for a knowledge-based future.