About us
About US
Introduction to the Institute
The Iranian Institute for Belt and Road Studies is a non-governmental, non-profit, and independent institution established with the aim of analyzing and explaining various aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative and Iran’s role in it. The institute acts as a bridge between the scientific community, policymakers, and the private sector, and strives to provide a platform for informed decision-making, institutional synergy, and the development of national and international cooperation by producing scientific and applied literature. The institute has two branches in Tehran and Shanghai.
Mission of the Institute
The mission of the institute is to provide advice, produce scientific-analytical knowledge and literature, strengthen national capacities, and cultivate a new generation of researchers and decision-makers so that Iran can participate effectively and intelligently within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Through research, education, scientific diplomacy, and networking, the institute strives to assist policymakers in formulating strategies, assist the private sector in identifying opportunities and risks, and enhance Iran’s position in regional and global cooperation. The Iranian Institute for Belt and Road Studies is a non-governmental, non-profit, and independent institution that was established with the aim of analyzing and explaining various aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative and Iran’s role in it. The institute acts as a bridge between the scientific community, policymakers, and the private sector, and strives to provide a platform for informed decision-making, institutional synergy, and the development of national and international cooperation by producing scientific and applied literature. The institute has two branches in Tehran and Shanghai.
Institute goals
Research and Analysis: Producing credible and evidence-based knowledge in the areas of energy, trade, geopolitics, technology, and culture.
Training and capacity building: Empowering a new generation of researchers, experts, and managers with specialized and skilled training.
Networking and Collaboration: Establishing links between domestic scientific, governmental and private institutions and developing connections with foreign research and economic centers.
Scientific and public diplomacy: Promoting dialogue and exchange of ideas at the national and international levels to strengthen Iran's role in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Dissemination and promotion of knowledge: Expanding access to scientific, analytical, and media content through reports, monthly magazines, translations, and new media.
Innovation and Future Studies: Monitoring trends, designing indicators, and leveraging innovation to provide practical and forward-looking solutions.
Institute Activities
1. Research and analysis
Targeted research projects: Medium- and long-term studies in energy, trade, technology, geopolitics, and the environment
Advisory reports: short, results-oriented, and practical notes for businesspeople, companies, researchers, and politicians.
Translation of key articles and reports: from Chinese and international sources.
Writing notes and analyses: by prominent professors, diplomats, politicians, as well as young researchers.
Iran and the Belt and Road Yearbook: A comprehensive annual report with trend analysis and future predictions.
Iran and the Belt and Road Initiative Engagement Index: Design and annually publish a dedicated index to assess Iran's position.
2. Training and capacity building
Seasonal schools: for students, researchers, and young elites.
Short-term specialized courses: economic diplomacy, international trade, energy, logistics, and technology.
Skill-building workshops: writing consulting reports, data analysis, public diplomacy.
Mentoring program: Connecting senior professors and diplomats with young researchers.
Scientific and research competitions: Holding essay writing, policy analysis, or idea generation competitions about the Belt and Road Initiative for young people.
3. Events and science diplomacy
Regular webinars: in the field of the Belt and Road Initiative with the presence of prominent professors and researchers and cooperation with domestic and international institutions.
Annual conference: A large gathering of researchers, politicians, and economic activists.
Specialized seminars (online and in-person): topic-based (energy, business, culture, etc.).
Limited roundtables: with the presence of key decision-makers.
Diplomatic meetings: Informal dialogues with Chinese and regional think tanks.
4. Publications and media
The institute's monthly magazine: includes notes, reports, and translated articles.
Translation and publication of key books: prominent Chinese and international works.
Monthly news bulletin: Review of developments in Iran, China, and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Infographics and visual data: For easy understanding of statistics and projects.
Podcast and video: Conversations with experts.
Interviews: with university professors (Iranian and foreign), diplomats and politicians, private sector managers and economic activists, employees and students living in China.
5. Collaborations and networking
Signing of memorandums of understanding: with universities, think tanks, and chambers of commerce.
National Network for China Studies: To enhance the synergy of Iranian institutions and prevent parallel work.
Belt and Road Friends Association: A gathering of politicians, researchers, and economic activists.
Digital Collaboration Platform: Registering Researchers and Institutions for Joint Projects
6. Innovation and support
Data and Analysis Center: Database of Belt and Road Initiative projects and policy analysis.
Performance indicators: Periodic monitoring of Iran-China relations.
Innovation Hub: Collaboration with startups and the private sector in the fields of green energy, digital economy, and logistics.