Sharif Governance and Policy Think Tank convened a panel discussion under the title “Governance of Industry: A Look at the Realities,” spotlighting the recent book “Impeachment of Production” by Dr. Seyed Reza Fatemi-Amin, former Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade. The book aims to introduce students and young professionals to the complexities of industrial governance in Iran. According to Fatemi-Amin, the book could have been alternatively titled “Governance in Simple Terms”, reflecting its goal of making governance accessible to a concerned younger audience.

Dr. Seyed Reza Fatemi-Amin, Author and Former Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade, emphasized the importance of integrating science and technology into governance as a solution for national challenges. His intent with “Impeachment of Production” was to present a straightforward look at governance, hoping to inspire younger generations to better understand and eventually influence Iran’s industrial landscape.

Amir Hassan Kakaei, Professor at Iran University of Science and Technology, highlighted structural issues within the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade, which, he argued, stem from the incomplete merger of the industry and trade sectors. Instead of a fully integrated ministry, the sectors have functioned more as isolated “islands.” This fragmented structure has, over the past two decades, led to chronic issues, particularly in the ministry’s human resources system. Kakaei noted that MICT, despite overseeing roughly 30% of Iran’s economy, has some of the country’s least-resourced staff. He critiqued the book for, at times, blending personal viewpoints with objective data.

Morteza Zamanian, a Professor at Amirkabir University of Technology, addressed challenges between government ministers and Iran’s Parliament, citing how even representatives from unrelated committees can press ministers with questions and demands. He argued that excessive constraints and frequent pressures from Parliament have hampered ministers’ capacity to make bold and effective decisions, weakening executive action in the industrial sector.

The meeting underscored the need for stronger integration, better resource allocation, and governance reforms within Iran’s industrial management systems. Discussions suggested that by addressing these systemic issues, Iran could enhance its industrial governance to better support economic development.