A specialized panel titled “Diagnosing Iran’s Import-Export System in the Medical Equipment Industry” was held during the 25th Iran Health Exhibition, featuring Dr. Mohammad Bagher Aghaalikhani, Mr. Mohammadreza Company, Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Esmaeili, and Mr. Saeed Khosravi.
In this session, participants discussed the structural challenges of Iran’s current import-export system in the field of medical equipment. One of the key themes was the *role of industrial design* in improving Iran’s position in international markets and enhancing the quality of domestically produced products.
Mr. Saeed Khosravi emphasized the significance of industrial design in product development and its direct impact on export capabilities. He also highlighted the shortcomings in the availability of professional industrial design services in Iran. According to him, many domestic companies still view industrial design as a simple 3D modeling process, while in leading countries, it is an integral part of R&D units.
He stressed:
“Industrial design today positions itself at the heart of business—where strategies are formed. We are no longer dealing solely with business plans, but with the broader concept of business design. Modern enterprises require design across all aspects of their operations, and this design, as a driver of innovation, leads to the creation of real value.”
Mr. Khosravi referred to Metotec Design Lab’s international experience with companies from Germany and the U.S., noting that foreign firms typically begin collaboration with clear expectations, defined brand books, missions, and visions. In contrast, most Iranian companies lack such structures—although a few local leaders have made notable efforts.
He added:
“At Pardis Tech Park, we established the Metotec Design Lab with the goal of preserving human capital and promoting design culture in the country.”
In the second part of his speech, Mr. Khosravi discussed the need for a shift in Iran’s product development approach:
“To initiate change, we need to define processes—and to establish processes, we need driving forces. Industrial design is that driver. Most R&D activities in Iran are still based on basic research. We now need a new generation of R&D—what we call D&D (Design & Development)—where developers play a critical role and must be empowered.”
As an example, he cited the development of an EEG device, which requires precise electrode design aligned with specific points on the scalp to ensure impedance matching and accurate data transmission. He explained that such innovation is only achievable through a D&D approach.
Mr. Khosravi also referenced reports by consulting firms like McKinsey and BCG, noting that companies with strong industrial design departments saw 32% higher revenue and 56% greater profitability compared to their competitors.
He then reviewed South Korea’s successful industrial transformation through design, emphasizing key strategies such as:
1. National design policy led by the Ministry of Trade and promotion of D&D units
2. Design’s role in initiating a new industrial paradigm and economic growth
3. Defining design’s role in response to 21st-century environmental changes
4. Developing highly skilled design professionals
5. Enhancing the quality of design studios
At the conclusion of the panel, Mr. Khosravi pointed out that many Iranian products currently fall into the low-tech category, due to reliance on outdated technologies. He emphasized the need to transition toward D&D teams to integrate innovation into products:
“If we aim to move toward the development of technology-driven products—whether hidden, emerging, or high-tech—we must inject innovation into the core of design. This is only achievable through professional industrial design and a development-oriented mindset.”
