The need to review industry-university interactions for a future-oriented outlook in the steel industry

According to me-metals, we believe that a new model should be designed in interaction with universities, such as the University of Isfahan and the Isfahan University of Technology. Instead of universities being merely implementers of industry projects, they should play a role as part of the steel research and development system.

Now, Mobarakeh Steel is no longer in absolute monopoly and competition in the steel industry has intensified. If fundamental changes are not made to the revenue model, cost structure, and technologies of this complex, we will face serious challenges in the near future.

Innovation is the main focus of the company's development, and the 10-year steel vision should be based on global developments, future-oriented trends (megatrends), and Iran's position in international markets. We have defined 12 priority projects that will determine the path of future development.

The idea of establishing a museum to record and display the hidden knowledge of Mobarakeh Steel could be a platform for recording experiences and transferring knowledge to the next generation. In the field of education, broader cooperation with neighboring universities could be designed, similar to what major global companies such as POSCO have done by establishing dedicated universities.

In the field of technology, the gap in value added in Iran and in Mobarakeh Steel with large global companies is huge. The average income of some companies from steel products has reached more than $2,000, while in Mobarakeh Steel, which is the leader in Iran, this number is around $410 to $470. This difference is due to the weakness in technological development and production of high-tech products.

By utilizing the scientific capacity of the country's prestigious universities, especially Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Technology, we can define a new model of cooperation; a model that is based on solving real industry problems, increasing productivity, and promoting the national brand.

Universities should also be more active in solving social, environmental, and cultural issues. Mobarakeh Steel's investments in areas such as water have so far cost more than 30 trillion tomans, which were made solely out of social responsibility and without economic considerations.

Based on an understanding with the Ministry of Science and the Presidential Vice-President for Science, we are developing regulations to effectively use the tax resources foreseen to support academic research. We hope that once these guidelines are finalized, we will be able to begin broader cooperation with top universities, including Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Technology.