Research and development (R&D) in Iran plays a pivotal role in achieving developmental goals and strengthening the country’s scientific authority. However, its innovative nature and strong dependency on legal and institutional frameworks expose it to numerous risks.This study aims to identify and prioritize risks in R&D projects, focusing on the entire project life cycle. Findings reveal that legal and administrative weaknesses can lead to resource waste and policy inefficiency. The research adopts a mixed-method approach(qualitative–quantitative), relying on document analysis, expert interviews, and questionnaires distributed among managers and researchers.

Among 53 identified risks, 20 were found to be high-priority, mainly linked to legal gaps, lengthy contractual processes, unrealistic expectations of sponsors, and shortage of skilled human resources. Furthermore, risks were more pronounced in the humanities and basic sciences compared to other fields.

The significance of these results is heightened under the Seventh Development Plan of Iran (2024–2028), as Articles 45 and 47 oblige the government and parliament to increase the share of research in GDP, direct resources toward priority projects, and establish monitoring and evaluation systems. Without effective risk management, these obligations may result in wasted resources.

The present study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative analyses, and focuses on the factors influencing the severity and likelihood of various risks across different stages of the life cycle of a research and development (R&D) project. In doing so, it distinguishes risks arising from legal and policy-related variables from other categories of risk. Based on these findings, the study proposes measures such as the enactment of a comprehensive law on national research risk management and a legal framework for supporting researchers and specialists. These proposals aim to enable the Islamic Consultative Assembly to improve the legal environment of the country’s research system and enhance the effectiveness of the national innovation system.