Strategic Intelligence in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Making (STI)

The present age, known as the knowledge based economy, is facing rapid and growing changes in human knowledge and in various social, economic, industrial, political and technological fields. Facing such conditions requires the intelligence and active reaction of STI policymakers to future developments, technological advancements, and their long-term effects. Strategic policy intelligence (SPI) plays an effective role in creating awareness of STI policymakers through the, process, diffuse and protect information in order to make it available to the right person at the right time. SPI has not been considered in a coherent way as a scientific concept in the literature in Iran. In order to fill this gap, this paper seeks to study this concept and its tools. In this regard, strategic intelligence (SI) relation with policy is described from three perspectives of the window of opportunity, Clarity of purpose and legitimacy of policy evidence. Then important SPI tools as foresight, technology forcasting, technology assessment and their application in various policy steps are explained. Finally, in order to emphasize the role of strategic intelligence in policy making, the Iranian case has been introduced.