Introduction to the University of Tehran Institute of Governance Studies(IGS)

 University of Tehran Institute of Governance Studies is dedicated to evidence‐based policy research and solutions for complex governance challenges. Serving as a bridge between academia and policy‐makers, it fosters continuous knowledge exchange across disciplines—economics, social sciences, law, and technology. Guided by core values of academic integrity, research excellence, and independence, the Think‐Tank produces policy reports and recommendations, which are freely accessible on its website and disseminated via social media, webinars, and workshops. Its key “bridge‐building” function connects scholars, university experts, and government officials: ensuring that cutting‐edge research informs decision‐making, while real‐world policy needs shape academic inquiry. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and an agile organizational structure, the Think‐Tank strives to translate ideas into actionable policies that advance transparent, effective, and sustainable governance in Iran and beyond.

Director of the think tank

Dr. Sajjad Abdi holds a PhD in Financial and Public Sector Economics from the University of Tehran. His professional background includes eleven years of activity in the field of applied economic research. He has a history of cooperation in the field of economic policymaking with the Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the Presidential Center for Cooperation on Development and Progress, the Economic Commission of the Cabinet, and the National Planning and Budget Organization. He has also been the Director of the Tehran Economic Policy Think Tank for five years and is currently the Deputy Director of the Governance Think Tank of the University of Tehran. Dr. Abdi’s research focuses on sustainable development studies, public and financial sector economics. In particular, the field of education economics plays a prominent role in his research. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Economics in the Department of Governance, Development and Sustainability, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran.

Director of the AI ​​Governance Department

Mr. Mostafa Mahmoudi holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.A. in Public Administration with a specialization in Public Policy, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Science, Technology, and Innovation Governance at the University of Tehran. His areas of expertise include data and AI governance and regulation, data-driven policymaking, and technology ethics.

From 2022 to 2025, Mr. Mahmoudi played a pivotal role at the University of Tehran’s Institute of Governance. In summer 2023, he was appointed Internal Director of the Institute and, over the course of a year, significantly enhanced its research capacity by streamlining internal processes and coordinating interdisciplinary teams. In summer 2024, he was promoted to Deputy Director, where he strategically expanded the Institute’s “bridge-building” network with government bodies and private sector stakeholders.
He currently serves as the Chair of the AI Governance Study Group at the Institute, leading interdisciplinary research initiatives to advance responsible and evidence-based AI policy in Iran.


Paper:
Mahmoudi, M. (2024). Challenges and Complexities in Leveraging Data for Evidence-based Policymaking. DOI: 10.22034/jipm.2024.711524 

• Mahmoudi, M. (2024). Identifying and prioritizing the obstacles and challenges of data-driven governance from the perspective of applying artificial intelligence and data-based technologies in the public sector. DOI: 10.22034/sspp.2024.2026836.3610 

• Mahmoudi, M. (2024). Regulatory approaches to managing policy-related and ethical challenges in data-driven governance. DOI: 10.22034/sspp.2024.2026882.3625