Artificial Intelligence Governance Models in National Strategies: A Comparative Analysis and Iran's Position

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) has made it a central focus of technology policy and geopolitical competition. Many governments have designed distinct AI governance models through national strategies. This study aims to identify and compare AI governance patterns in six selected countries – Iran, the United States, Canada, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey – and to explain Iran’s position and capacities relative to global models.
Using a qualitative comparative analysis of policy documents, the research integrates three theoretical lenses: national innovation systems, sociotechnical imaginaries, and technology governance literature. Strategies were compared based on strategic narrative, governance model, state and private sector roles, policy instruments, and international orientation.
Findings reveal five distinct governance models: market-driven and competitive (US), multi-stakeholder and research-driven (Canada), systematic and public-good oriented (Singapore), state-led and transformative (Saudi Arabia), and national developmentalist (Turkey). Iran’s position exhibits a hybrid, value-based, state-led model with significant scientific and human capital capacities, yet faces challenges in institutional coherence, governance model, and the link between policy and implementation.
The study concludes that strengthening institutional coordination, developing data and computing infrastructure, and moving toward a multi-stakeholder governance model can make Iran’s AI policymaking more effective.