Inducements to scientific output growth: the experience of Iran

The annual rate growth of the Iranian scientific output during the period of 1996 -2008 as measured by the number of journal papers published, surpassed that of any other nation in the world, including: China, the US and Europe. A variety of factors such as cultural, the Iran-Iraq war, and collaboration with scientists from other countries have been highlighted as likely inducers of Iran's recent scientific output growth. This paper is intended as a review of the relevant literature. Aside from the factors already identified as science drivers in Iran, we also argue for economic incentives. The final point we wish to make is that Iran as an Islamic political system is neither hostile nor indifferent to science.