System Engineering and Productivity

System Engineering and Productivity

Analysis of Key Trends in Iran's Steel Production Chain: A Systematic Exploration of Emerging Trends

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mozhgan Abdollahi 1
Ali Mohammad Ahmadvand 2
Farzaneh Mirshahvelayati 3
1 Corresponding author: Ph.D. Student, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, University of Eyvanekey, Eyvanekey, Iran
2 Professor, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, University of Eyvanekey, Eyvanekey, Iran
3 Assistant professor, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/sep.2025.2063146.1332
Abstract
The increasing growth and uncontrollable interconnection of changes in today’s world compel organizations and societies to think intelligently about various images and alternatives of possible and desirable futures and to actively engage in shaping the best outcomes. This imperative is particularly critical in strategic industries such as steel. One of the fundamental prerequisites of foresight is identifying the most significant macro-trends and assessing their potential interactions. Accordingly, the present study aims to identify the key influencing factors on the production chain in Iran’s steel industry and the critical trends affecting its future over a five-year horizon. This was achieved through a systematic review of credible and relevant documents, categorizing them within an analytical model, and ultimately identifying eight major impactful trends. A notably important finding of this research is the increasing significance of environmental considerations. The study further examines the reasons these trends influence steel production and the downstream value chain, concluding with policy recommendations related to these issues.

Highlights

  • Supply: The greatest vulnerability is due to the risk of energy outages, raw material shortages, and sanctions.
  • Operations: The transition to digital and green technologies, cost management, and human capital enhancement play a decisive role in the competitiveness and sustainability of production.
  • Sales: Global market fluctuations, changing demand, and export restrictions are the dominant trends, the intelligent management of which will ensure marketability and foreign exchange earnings.

Keywords
Trend
Steel
Value chain
Future
Green industry
Subjects

Copyright © Mozhgan Abdollahi, Ali Mohammad Ahmadvand, Farzaneh Mirshahvelayati

 

License

This article is released under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone is free to copy, share, translate, and adapt this article for any purpose, whether commercial or non-commercial, as long as proper citation is given to the authors and original publication.

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System Engineering and Productivity
Volume 5, Issue 3 - Serial Number 16
Serial No. 16, Autumn Quarterly
Autumn 2025
Pages 155-177

  • Receive Date 09 June 2025
  • Revise Date 29 June 2025
  • Accept Date 07 July 2025
  • First Publish Date 07 July 2025
  • Publish Date 22 November 2025