Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Today, “knowledge” has become a vital necessity for increasing the competitiveness of countries and cities in the twenty-first century. Therefore, a knowledge-based economy, defined as an economy capable of generating, disseminating, and utilizing knowledge, has led to a shift from traditional patterns of urban development to knowledge-based development, ultimately resulting in a knowledge-based city. On the other hand, it is now established that a city relies more on its capacities for innovation than on material resources and central government support. Innovation, resulting from the dissemination of local knowledge through interactions among urban elements such as businesses, customers, suppliers, and universities, is what drives growth, economic development, sustainability, and urban competitiveness. However, unfortunately, the main pillars or areas of innovation, which are the connecting points between the concepts of knowledge-based urban development and urban competitiveness, have not been identified in the global literature. In this regard, Tehran, as a megacity, due to the emergence of a networked society and the phenomenon of a knowledge-based economy, has set a new perspective called “knowledge-based urban development” and a competitive city on the agenda of its planning and urban development. However, there is currently no written plan for moving towards a competitive knowledge-based city in Tehran, and there is a need for review and revision. In line with the aforementioned, the main issue of the research is the neglect and insufficient attention to the main driving force such as innovation as a value-creating capital for achieving competitive knowledge-based urban development in Tehran. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to address this gap in the global literature in locating competitive knowledge-based urban development (innovative regions) in the megacity of Tehran.
Methods: The aforementioned research has an applied development objective, gathering data through documentary studies and expert interviews in a Delphi format involving 20 experts. A total of 54 influential factors affecting the future state of competitive knowledge-based urban development in Tehran, within 13 components (diversity, urban scale and population density, spatial proximity, internal spatial connectivity, external spatial connectivity, knowledge dissemination to society, government support, ICT application, innovative society, economic competitiveness, organizational-institutional competitiveness, locational character, and human capital), and 6 dimensions (institutional-organizational, economic, physical, socio-cultural, activity-performance, and technology-communication) were identified and then prioritized based on expert opinions using questionnaire tools and the Delphi technique. Furthermore, the method of Structural Mutual Effects Analysis was applied using the MICMAC software for further processing.
Findings: The research findings indicate that 13 stimuli have been identified as the most influential factors on the future status of competitive knowledge-based urban development in Tehran. Among them, six main influential factors (decision-making culture based on knowledge, collaboration of knowledge actors and decision-makers in knowledge sharing, organizational interaction, supportive legal framework for knowledge-based activities, government investment in knowledge-based activities, strategic collaboration and organizational networking) fall under the institutional-organizational dimension, while five stimuli (knowledge-based businesses, the infrastructure of knowledge spaces, global urban competitiveness index, foreign direct investment, per capita gross domestic product of the city, international business environment, and urban innovation) belong to the economic dimension. Additionally, one stimulus related to the Gini coefficient of the urban region is categorized under the social-cultural dimension. This highlights the significant role of governments and organizations, as well as the economic planning approach and the importance of intellectual advocacy in achieving a competitive knowledge-based urban development future in Tehran.
Conclusion: The research findings confirm the theory based on governance and economy in the development of competitive knowledge-based cities in Tehran. Contrary to what Florida suggests, it’s not only the creative class and soft factors that determine the development of competitive knowledge-based cities in Tehran, but rather a combination of governance-based theories and soft and economic condition theories that lay the foundation for the development of competitive knowledge-based cities. Therefore, priority should be given to these key drivers in formulating the main strategy for the future development of competitive knowledge-based urbanism in Tehran through the establishment of overarching documents and the content of urban planning schemes. Furthermore, the following points are summarized in the form of recommendations: Encouraging the clustering and concentration of innovative businesses and individuals to promote innovative activities and economic competition. In terms of government support, the establishment of official institutions to guide knowledge-based urban development, facilitating government-industry-academia collaboration, and investment in cutting-edge technologies are recommended. Additionally, governments are advised to act as entrepreneurs and market creators by deeply understanding and supporting knowledge-based businesses. In the societal sector, integrating traditional and new technological infrastructures, changing citizens’ lifestyles in line with sustainable development approaches, and altering social behaviors have been emphasized. Regarding diversity, diverse and context-appropriate spatial policies, the establishment of cultural hubs and districts, and infrastructure development to promote diversity and encourage the presence of various innovative industries have been proposed. In terms of external connectivity, upgrading public transportation systems and creating physical links between public spaces to facilitate access to technology and innovation clusters are among the suggestions. Finally, the development of organizations and knowledge-based individuals and the aggregation of knowledge actors are also proposed as strategies to enhance local knowledge and information.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: A city’s long-term future vision is created through the process of creating an urban development strategy, upon which executive plans are created. The main objective of urban development strategy is to increase economic competitiveness, but it also addresses issues related to the environment, finances, infrastructure, urban design, and poverty alleviation. The aim of this research is to analyze and evaluate various aspects of the development strategy in Galougah city in order to gain a better understanding of the situation there. The study outlines the comprehensive urban plan that was implemented in 2010, as well as a detailed tourism plan for the Galougah Sea that was developed in 2003. However, the city’s master plan has failed to effectively guide urban development and meet the needs of the current population. The planning process does not involve the urban beneficiaries, and they lack knowledge about how decision-makers make decisions regarding urban challenges. Urban challenges, such as services, environmental problems like the urban sewage system, specific problems of inefficient urban fabrics, and physical problems like the transportation network, sidewalks, and road network lighting, have not been properly identified due to a lack of awareness and effective two-way communication between various city managers. To support this research, the implementation of an urban development strategy plan in Galougah city can be beneficial. This is due to the fact that the issues with urban management not only affect the city but also impact other urban stakeholders, such as the economy, sustainable urban employment, and seasonal migrations. By considering these issues, along with the structural limitations of traditional plans and the distinct conditions of Galougah city, an urban development strategy plan could provide a more comprehensive approach to addressing the city’s challenges.
Methods: This research is both descriptive and analytical in nature and aims to be practical. The data was collected through surveys and documentary methods. The researcher developed a questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale as the research tool. The statistical population of this study includes experts in urban issues and residents of Galougah city. In order to gather information, documentary, library, and survey methods were employed. Before being distributed to the statistical population, the prepared questionnaire underwent content validity by being tested with individuals who had opinions on this issue, which helped to ensure its dependability. Cochran’s methodology was followed and employed by a simple random sampling technique to distribute 355 questionnaires to heads-of-household, ensuring that they were representative of the city. A random selection technique was used for each questionnaire. A snowball sampling approach was used to identify a group of specialists, and ultimately, 22 experts were included in the study. To analyze the data, descriptive analysis techniques such as frequency percentage, mean, standard deviation, and variance were employed. Inferential tests in SPSS, including the one-sample t-test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), LSD post hoc test, and Pearson correlation, were also used.
Findings: The results of this study demonstrate that Galougah is dealing with issues, all of which have resulted in a decline in the city’s quality of urban life. The mandatory components of the urban development strategy can be strengthened in order to improve the city’s livability. According to the statistical tests conducted, the research findings showed that the relevant indicators for the residents and experts of Galougah City are below average. The dimension of urban livability was found to be weaker than other dimensions among the average indicators for residents, while the dimension of urban competitiveness ranked second. The following scenario involves urban governance and banking. Urban specialists assess these dimensions in the same context. The statistically significant difference observed between the two study groups’ viewpoints is due to the lower average of the analyzed dimensions by the experts, despite their alignment with the residents’ perspectives. This is because experts are more involved in practical and unbiased city issues, such as competition and government, which may have influenced their evaluations.
Conclusion: According to the test results, Galougah City is not in an acceptable state for city development strategies, and there is a greater need than ever to prepare and implement the city development plan. Due to the poor and intolerable situation in Galougah city, improving and applying livability approaches appears important. The study of sustainable development goals in cities is based on governance, and proper observance and use of indicators can increase public confidence in institutions of urban management. The assessment and analysis conducted in this research can serve as the framework for assessing various concerns for the mentioned program. In general, the results of this research demonstrate the importance of developing an urban development strategy plan. The research results have the potential to improve our understanding of various challenges faced by citizens and urban management. These findings can be used by managers, planners, and policymakers to develop a city development strategy plan that addresses the city’s current situation and helps to solve its problems in a logical manner.