TEHRAN – The budget bill for the next Iranian calendar year 1398 (starting on March 21, 2019) has predicted a 72-percent growth in budget for science and technology parks, the head of Budget and Planning Organization announced on Monday, Mehr reported.

“Some 750 trillion rials (about $17.8 billion) has been allocated for education and research in the next year’s budget bill,” Mohammad Baqer Nobakht said.

The government supports knowledge-based firms as a way to accelerate the scientific growth of the country, he noted.

The Budget and Planning Organization also plans to boost cooperation with science and technology vice presidency, he stressed.

“Undoubtedly supporting science and technology parks leads to improvement in science and economy sectors in the near future,” he said.

SB/MQ/MG