About Pooyesh Fekri
“Pooyesh Fekri Tosee”, is an independent research-based think tank that concentrates on development studies in Iran. The institute’s vision is to shape a society that demands development and a society in which problem-solving happens through consensus among the elites and the society.
This institute aims to create scientific content about Iranian development, present theoretical explanations and political strategies, and provoke awareness and actions in society.
Pooyesh Fekri Tosee was established in 2017 under the supervision of Dr. Mohsen Renani. Although the institution started working on a private budget (by donations), it is now working independently. we believe thinking about development like a public campaign, should turn into a national mission for all the people and intellectuals. This is how we can affect policymaking.
Below, we will explain some of the most important ongoing projects conducted by Pooyesh Fekri Tosee:
Development Dialogue
Development dialogue as its name says, aims to conduct dialogue with Iranian thinkers about Iranian development. In this project, we set up a team of researchers who study all the books, papers, and products of the thinker, take notes, and write a narration. After checking with the thinker, we conduct a few dialogue sessions with the thinker and call the researchers and other thinkers for dialogue and criticism. The final product of the whole process of studying, dialogue, and writing is published in the format of a book. This lengthy and scientific process has been so far done for more than 10 Iranian thinkers’ theories and the work is still going on. We hope to create a path towards dialogue among the elites and the elites and society and persuade thinking about and demand development in society.
The composite index of Development
Besides theories, Pooyesh Fekri Tosee has been conducting research on numbers! In a numerical project, a multidisciplinary team of researchers has attempted to build a composite index of development to measure development in Iran and the world. In this project not only, they have focused on the theoretical aspects of development and the definition of development in different aspects of social, economic, political, individual, and environmental development but also, they have collected thousands of data from well-known global organizations. Following the methodology suggested by OECD, the project team has built a composite index of development which is published annually and is updated according to the recent data published by global organizations. The annual report publishes in both print and digital versions under the name of “development book”. The development book not only evaluates the Iranian experience of development but also creates a transparent image of global development and creates the opportunity for comparison. This project aims to be influential, especially in the realm of policymaking.
Development studies
As a think tank, the main thing we do is read, write, speak (through interviews and meetings), and translate. Along with several sessions of dialogue, we have researched and published books such as “Development in simple language”, “development and Philosophy”, “the history of development thinking”, and “Development OF Kermanshah Province”. Also, we have produced and published articles and podcasts on the current path of development in Iran.
Center for Childhood and Development in Iran
In 2023, we established a new center within our organization dedicated to childhood and development in Iran. Our mission is to explore child development through two key lenses: the family and the educational system in Iran.
We draw on a wide range of development theories—from human development and social change to economic and political development—to offer a holistic and practical approach to raising children. Our goal is to provide accessible, research-based guidance for families, especially parents and educators, to empower them in shaping the future generation.
This center was born from years of academic study in development studies, alongside a deep belief in the role of everyday citizens in driving a nation’s progress. It was also inspired by our audience, who often asked us:
“What can we do—as parents, teachers, and caregivers—for the future of our country?”
Our Ongoing Activities Include:
- Translating groundbreaking parenting books into Persian, turning global insights into practical tools for Iranian families
- Producing audiobooks and podcasts, including bedtime stories inspired by universal child development approaches, designed to nurture healthy civic values in children
- Publishing articles on the link between parenting and long-term national development
- Building a library of culturally adapted resources for navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s Iran
We are proud to bring together a multidisciplinary team of scholars from sociology, psychology, economics, and philosophy—each committed to examining family life in Iran amidst rapid social transformation and the growing impact of digital life.
Together, we strive to make childhood not only a personal journey but also a national priority.
Board Members:
Hojjat Mirzaei
Bachelor’s degree: economics, Branch: theoretical economics, University of Isfahan
Master’s degree: economics, Branch: development and economic planning, University of Allameh Tabatabaei
PhD degree: economics, Branch: economics, University of Allameh Tabatabaei
Associate Professor of urban and regional economics at the Allame Tabatabaei Univesity
A member of board of directors at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee
Abbas Hatami
Bachelor’s degree: political science, Branch: political science, University of Isfahan
Master’s degree: political science, Branch: political science, University of Tehran
PhD degree: political science, Branch: political sociology, University of Tehran
Associate professor of political science, department of political science, university of Isfahan
A member of board of directors at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee
Mohsen Renani
Bachelor’s degree: economics, Branch: economic science, University of Tehran
Master’s degree: economics, Branch: economic sciences, University of Tehran
PhD degree: economics, Branch: general choice theory, University of Tehran
Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, University of Isfahan
A member of board of directors at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee
Some of the books’ titles include: bazar and na bazar-political economy of the nuclear controversy of Iran-cycles of the decline of morality and economy-an introduction to the civilisations’ transformation
Elaheh Shabani Afarani
Bachelor’s degree: social sciences, Branch: social research, University of Isfahan
Master’s degree: youth studies, Branch: youth studies, University of Tehran
PhD: sociology, Branch: economics and social development, University of Isfahan
Researcherat Pooyesh Fekri Tosee since 2017
A member of board of directors at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee since 2020
Morteza Derakhshan
Bachelor’s degree: islam and economics, Branch: theory, imam Sadeq University
Master’s degree: Islam and economics, Branch: energy, imam Sadeq University
PhD: economics sciences, Branch: money-development, University of Isfahan
Researcher and project manager at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee since 2017
A member of board of directors at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee since 2020
Amir hosein poureh
Bachelor’s degree: political sciences, Branch: political sciences,
University of Isfahan
Master’s degree: political sciences, Branch: political sciences, University of Isfahan
PhD degree: political sciences, Political sociology, University of isfahan
Researcher at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee since 2017
CEO since 2020
Maryam Fathian
Bachelor’s degree: economics, Branch: theoretical economics, University of Isfahan
Master’s degree: economics, Branch: theoretical economics, University of Isfahan
Researcher at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee since 2017
CEO at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee from 2017 to 2020
A member of board of directors at Pooyesh Fekri Tosee since 2020