Examining the Obstacles to the Implementation of the Policy of Creating an Identity Information Database and Issuing National Smart Cards According to Article 46, Clause D of the Fifth Development Plan Law (in Persian)

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the barriers to implementing the policy of establishing a national identity information database and issuing smart national ID cards, in accordance with Clause (D) of Article 46 of Iran’s Fifth Development Plan. Methodology: We used a qualitative approach within the philosophical framework of constructivism (interpretive paradigm). From an orientation perspective, it was applied research employing inductive methods. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with managers and experts from the National Organization for Civil Registration. Purposeful judgmental sampling was used, and the sample size was determined based on theoretical saturation. The data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis following the Braun and Clarke model. To enhance the reliability of the findings, peer review and participant feedback were employed. Given the research setting, this study was field research and cross-sectional in nature. Findings: Data analysis revealed that the barriers to policy implementation can be categorized across four levels: Level 1: weakness in the supply of raw materials for producing the ID card body is identified as a dependent barrier, while managerial inefficiencies and internal organizational processes within the National Organization for Civil Registration are classified as linkage barriers; Level 2: lack of a coherent policy framework and inter-agency collaboration, along with deficiencies in policy formulation, were recognized as independent barriers; Level 3: weakness in policy monitoring and evaluation emerges as a linkage barrier; Level 4: neglecting cultural context and social dynamics is identified as a fundamental barrier. Originality: This research offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to reform the smart civil registration policy and can support managers in enhancing the implementation process. Implications: This study offers valuable guidelines for policymaking and planning for e-government and exploiting AI for the future of this organization and the country in general.