Purpose - The objectives of this study are to find the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the national innovation system of Iran (using a SWOT analysis) and to extract some strategic recommendations to modify the innovation policies of Iran. Research design, data, and methodology - This study used a literature review and field study. In the first phase, the author studied library resources and articles, and browsed through Internet information about the subject. The second phase was a field research investigation through designed questionnaires and interviews with more than 100 policymakers, officials, executives, and others related to the national innovation system in 2011. Results - In this research study, strategic recommendations were extracted through a SWOT model for improvements to the innovation policies of Iran. Conclusions - The findings of this study show the role of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the national innovation system of Iran and suggest strategic recommendations for its modification.

• Seyedreza Haghi(Assistant Professor at Ferdows Higher Education Institute, Department of Management)