Iranian Journal of Public Policy

Iranian Journal of Public Policy

The Application of Mission-Oriented Innovation Policies in Addressing Grand Challenges: Several Case Studies

Document Type : Research Article

Author
Shohreh Nasri
Assistant of Science and Research Policy, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Tehran, Iran
10.22059/jppolicy.2026.109034
Abstract
Mission-oriented innovation policies enable the proactive management of grand challenges by defining long-term and measurable missions and by employing a mix of policy instruments in the areas of research, innovation, investment, regulatory reform, and stakeholder participation. Using a document review method, this study examines selected missions in the European Union and Iran, including the fight against cancer, the Soil Deal, and the EU climate-neutrality mission, as well as Iran’s Clean Air Program. The findings indicate that the missions examined in the European Union have achieved relatively high levels of success through clear direction, central leadership, coherent horizontal and vertical coordination, continuous evaluation and feedback, portfolio management, and measurable sub-goals. In contrast, Iran’s Clean Air mission is clear in terms of its legal framework and broad objectives; however, it faces limitations with regard to stakeholder participation, cross-sectoral coordination, monitoring and feedback, and portfolio management. Therefore, developing a system for identifying and prioritizing grand challenges within the framework of national missions, based on precise performance indicators and feedback mechanisms, is essential.
Keywords
Mission
Innovation Policy
Mission Orientation
Grand Challenge
Wicked Problems
Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy
MOIP
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Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 12, Issue 3
Autumn 2026
Pages 33-59