In recent years, the development and proliferation of knowledge-based firms (KBFs) have become one of the key pillars of economic and technological growth. In this regard, the influence of policies in accelerating the progress of these firms is of great importance. However, the process of formulating and implementing these policies is rather complicated and requires continuous adaptation to environmental and technological changes. The gradual changes in the assessment procedure for granting support to KBFs in Iran is an important overlooked issue. To this end, this paper examines the evolution of assessment criteria of KBFs through the lens of policy learning, notably technical and conceptual policy learning. Those in charge of implementing the law for supporting KBFs gradually learned and revised eligibility criteria for being certified as KBF to further develop and contribute to the growth of these firms. This article investigates the policy learning yielded for stakeholders in the policy process of the law by highlighting the evolution of evaluation and support criteria for KBFs. This paper, in terms of purpose and type, is applied and qualitative, respectively, and its thematic and temporal scope covers the assessment criteria of KBFs from 2012 to 2023. Given our findings, technical and conceptual types of policy learning have played an instrumental role in revising supportive tools and criteria for becoming an approved KBF to enjoy the law facilities.
