The UNCTAD Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Review 2016 is a follow-up to the first review conducted in 2005. UNCTAD collaborated with Iran in the preparation of an STI Policy (STIP) Review in 2005 - an opportune time of policy reform, when its policymakers showed a growing interest in science, technology and innovation. Most of the issues and challenges raised in the 2005 Review have been dealt with through different policy measures and initiatives. This STIP Review can be considered, to some extent, as a neutral and unbiased assessment of the effectiveness of government policies with regard to STI development and a pointer to the way ahead.