University of Birjand Shines Internationally: Two Representatives Attend BRICS+ Innovation Governance Summit in China

Birjand, Iran — In a significant international achievement, two representatives from the University of Birjand were selected among the top national candidates by the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy to participate in the prestigious international training program on STI Park Governance and Cross-Border Innovation Cooperation (BRICS+) in China.

According to the University of Birjand’s Public Relations and Information Office, this participation follows the successful completion of national empowerment courses organized for nearly 100 faculty members and science and technology park managers across Iran. Ultimately, only 12 outstanding individuals were chosen for the advanced program and field tour in China — including two distinguished representatives from the University of Birjand.

The University of Birjand delegates were:

• Dr. Morteza Esmaeilnejad (Director of the University’s Growth Center)
• Dr. Hadi Farhadian (Faculty Member, Department of Mining Engineering)

About the Program

The 15-day international training program, held from June 3 to 17, 2026 (corresponding to 13–27 Khordad 1405), was organized by the Beijing International Exchange Association (BIEA) in collaboration with China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with support from Iran’s Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy.

The program provided a strategic platform for BRICS+ member countries to engage in knowledge exchange on science, technology, and innovation (STI) park governance, research commercialization, and cross-border innovation cooperation. Participants visited 11 key innovation and technology centers in Beijing.

Key Outcomes and Future Plans

The participation of University of Birjand representatives has opened new avenues for international collaboration and knowledge transfer. Notable takeaways include:

• Models for creating specialized technology clusters (e.g., in mining, smart tourism, and creative industries) inspired by successful Chinese examples.
• Hybrid financing models combining government funds, venture capital, and intellectual property-backed loans — applicable to a provincial innovation fund in South Khorasan.
• Best practices for university-industry collaboration, including joint labs and industrial faculties.
• Networking opportunities with institutions such as Tsinghua University Park and iFLYTEK, paving the way for potential Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
• Urban regeneration models (e.g., Shougang Park) for repurposing industrial and historical sites in the province.

University officials plan to submit a detailed report and practical roadmap to the Vice Presidency for Science and the South Khorasan Governorate. Proposed initiatives include establishing mining and creative technology clusters in Tabas and Ferdows, developing a digital museum of handicrafts and desert using VR/AR technologies, and creating a Khorasan Research and Development Town.

This successful international engagement strengthens the University of Birjand’s role in global innovation diplomacy and supports the development of a dynamic regional innovation ecosystem in South Khorasan Province.