About DEDN
Due to the transition of classical economic systems to knowledge-based economics and the orientation of the business market towards science, knowledge and technology, especially in the field of ICT, many countries as well as regional and international industrial and economic hubs seek to increase revenue through offering new knowledge and skills, focusing on innovative and technological ideas and value chain upgrades in the economic ecosystem.
Strong connection between classical economic foundations and modern knowledge and technology is essential for moving in the direction of knowledge-based economy which is only possible through the establishment of science and technology parks, growth and innovation centers and, above all, implementation of propulsive plans in this field.
Considering the goals, mission and national and international vision, ICT Park seeks to maximize the use of technology parks’ potentials and support growth centers, innovation centers and active accelerators across the country by launching "Digital Economy Development Network (DEDN)."
DEDN is a network of officially licensed science and technology parks, growth centers and accelerators that cooperate with ICT Park with the aim of improving the level of activities in the field of information and communication technology and digital economy development.
To facilitate the development of its members, especially active growth centers and accelerators, the DEDN Network puts a wide range of promotional and support programs on the agenda, the most important of which are as follows:
Javaneh (Sprout) Grant: The grant is designed to support theses/dissertations presenting market-oriented ideas in the field of ICT.
Roshd (Growth) Grant: The grant is designed to develop ICT products of the companies located in the growth centers of DEDN.
Vocational Training Programs Grant: The grant supports implementation of practical skills training courses including summer schools, boot camps and other ICT skills courses for DEDN members.
Shokoofaei (Prosperity) Grant: The grant assists market-oriented research laboratories to turn a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) into a Bench Scale Product (BSP).
Main Goals:
• Targeted Financial Support; providing technology grants
• Sharing Knowledge and Experience; sharing parks’ experiences, documents and regulations within the ecosystem
• Training and consulting; offering required training courses and professional consulting
• Networking; acceleration and creating synergy in providing services to the audience
Mission:
• Contribute to the growth of young and developed companies through participating in ICT supply chain
• Networking of local science and technology growth centers and orienting the process of establishing start-ups in these centers based on market needs and ICT priorities
• Planning to attract top talents and facilitating the reverse migration of Iranian ICT specialists
• Development of international interactions in national ICT industries
DEDN Network Services:
• DEDN Membership
• DEDN Financial Support Grants
• Presence in the ICT Park’s exhibition booth
• Mutual accommodation of companies in network’s member centers
• Laboratory services of network’s member centers
• General, specialized and commercial consulting services, including: financial and insurance consulting, legal consulting, technology brokerage, coaching (mentoring), financing consulting
Current State of DEDN
There are currently 31 DEDN member centers, including 23 provincial parks, 7 university parks and 1 growth center.
Organizational Structure of DEDN:
The central and managerial core of the "Digital Economy Development Network (DEDN)" is located in the Information and Communication Technology Park (ICT) and currently operates under the "Technology Development Deputy" of ICT Park. The network’s administrative structure is as follows:
1. Deputy President for Technology Development: Eng. Javad Yazdanpanah
2. Head of DEDN: Dr. Zahrasadat Seyedzadeh
3. Network Expert - Javaneh and Roshd Grants Unit: Eng. Zahra Khodadadi