The development process of the Ilaf conceptual framework begins with an explanation of concerns focused on industrial development and national power in Iran, and from a narrative study perspective, it presents some evidence indicating failures. It then illustrates the roots of these observed failures within a system dynamics framework featuring two reinforcing feedback loops. Based on this system dynamics model, the process of accumulation within the historically problematic structure of the country’s industry is described as being influenced by external geopolitical tensions and internal open-loop governance.
Next, by revisiting the concept of "grand strategy," It explores the potentials of industrial development in the context of Iran's security complexities and strategic loneliness in the game of great powers. In this renewed perspective, "grand strategy" refers to the ability to simultaneously solve external and internal strategic equations in a coherent system, which is possible at the intersection of the three pillars of 1) strategic diplomacy, 2) closed-loop governance, and 3) strategic value chains. In other words, the industrial development strategy and the grand strategy converge within the Ilaf conceptual framework to preserve the country's position amid the contest of competing powers. The Ilaf framework aligns the trajectory of Iran’s industrial development with the Islamic Republic’s grand strategy, while also making the grand strategy more responsive and intelligent regarding industrial development.
This research was conducted based on a mixed qualitative process, the main framework of which is Thomas Spriggans' four-stage research method, and to enrich the results, the focus group approach was used.