Governing Technological Futures: A Comparative Analysis of Robotics and AI Innovation Ecosystems in Iran, Japan, and South Korea

This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the innovation ecosystems and governance models for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in three contrasting national contexts: Iran, Japan, and South Korea. Employing the Triple Helix model—which foregrounds the tripartite interactions among government, industry, and academia—the study examines the policy frameworks, institutional structures, and industrial capabilities that shape technological trajectories. Japan and South Korea exemplify mature, highly integrated innovation ecosystems, characterized by strategic government investment, robust research infrastructures, and dominant industrial actors. South Korea’s "۴th Intelligent Robot Basic Plan" earmarks over ۳ trillion KRW for development by ۲۰۳۰, while Japan’s "Society ۵.۰" initiative embeds AI and robotics within a national socio-economic transformation strategy. In stark contrast, Iran’s ecosystem, while possessing considerable academic talent and nascent innovation hubs, is constrained by structural impediments including acute capital scarcity, fragmented policy coordination, and profound international isolation due to sanctions. This analysis reveals that effective innovation governance hinges on coherent national strategies, sustained R&D funding, robust university-industry linkages, and integration into global knowledge networks. The findings demonstrate that Japan and South Korea have achieved technological leadership through synergistic Triple Helix interactions, whereas Iran requires fundamental institutional reforms and strategic policy alignment to realize its innovation potential in the global robotics and AI landscape.

کلیدواژه ها:

Innovation ecosystem ، Robotics ، Artificial Intelligence ، Governance models ، Triple Helix ، Comparative policy ، Iran ، Japan ، South Korea