Identifying and Analyzing the key Actors affecting regional competitiveness in Iran
Subject Areas : Regional PlanningMohamad Molaei Qelichi 1 , Amir Hoseinianrad 2
1 - Faculty of Encyclopedia Research, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies
2 - Department of Geography, Lorestan University, khorramabad, iran
Keywords: Regional Development, Competitiveness, MACTOR, Actor Analysis,
Abstract :
The rise of globalization and rapid transformations in the global environment have highlighted the increasingly pivotal role of regional competitiveness in expediting regional progress. Unfortunately, regional competitiveness in Iran has not received the attention it deserves, leading to uneven development in many regions. Some regions are unable to realize their potential for functional activities due to factors such as political issues, a lack of attention to regional planning, a dearth of foresight and future research, and other issues unrelated to regional development that waste the economic potential of these areas, keeping them away from the competitive arena. In light of the burgeoning importance of regional competitiveness in regional development and the role of competitiveness as a driver of growth and promotion across a wide array of economic sectors and social welfare, it is essential to identify the key actors that form the basis for regional and community competitiveness. Thus, the purpose of this research is to analyze the key actors influencing regional competitiveness in Iran. This study employs a descriptive-analytical research method with an applied research purpose. The data collection and information-gathering methods include library, document, and survey (interview) research, with the Mactor tool being used to measure the positions and strength of the actors. The research results show that the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development are the most effective actors (with a competitiveness ratio of 2.12) and are the dominant actors. Conversely, universities and research centers have had minimal influence on improving regional competitiveness (with a competitiveness rate of 0.02). Finally, the research presents effective solutions for strengthening regional competitiveness in Iran.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In economic life, competition is one of the most fundamental sources of creativity and has a significant impact on regional growth and development. Regional competitiveness is a complex concept that encompasses various economic, social, cultural, and environmental factors. It refers to a region's ability to attract and retain jobs, talent, and investment. In Iran, regional aspects and development have received attention since the beginning of national development planning. Since the Third Development Plan, regional thinking, particularly the concept of decentralization, has been included in planning documents and has continued to the present. However, despite these efforts, the national development plans have not been very successful in regionalizing development and strengthening regional competitiveness. This is because they have failed to reduce various economic, social, and spatial inequalities between regions, address extreme poverty in some areas of the country, or correct the unequal distribution of job opportunities and facilities. As a result, continued migration from peripheral areas to central regions remains a key challenge to national development. Therefore, several decades after the introduction of national planning in Iran, achieving balanced development with an emphasis on competitive advantage and the decentralization of population, economic activity, and public services remains a central concern for the country’s planners and policymakers. Based on this, the article seeks to answer the fundamental question: Who are the key players in the process of regional competitiveness in Iran, and which ones have played a more significant role?
Methodology
The current research is a descriptive-analytical study. The required information was collected using two methods: library research (document analysis) and survey research (field study). To analyze the collected data, quantitative methods based on questionnaires and the use of MACTOR software were employed. MACTOR is designed to analyze actors and their power relations. The study examined the roles of key stakeholders within the system under study, focusing on their intentions and goals, past strategic behavior, current projects, preferences and motivations, limitations, benefits, and potential strategic actions. Through the review of Five-Year Development Plans, land use plans, and other relevant sources, the main actors in regional competitiveness were identified and analyzed. In addition, a survey was conducted with 50 specialists and experts in the field of regional planning. Virtual interviews were held with two groups of 25 participants, and the questionnaires were completed accordingly.
Results and Discussion
The rainbow diagram for actor classification reveals that in the first quadrant are actors who exert strong influence over others while receiving little influence in return. This analysis identifies the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad as the dominant actors in regional competitiveness in Iran. Actors located in the second quadrant both significantly influence other actors and are strongly influenced by them. Those in the third quadrant are considered subordinate or marginal actors; they exert little influence but are highly influenced by others. Finally, the fourth quadrant includes actors who neither influence others nor are influenced by them, operating independently within the competitive system. These actors include the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, the Housing Foundation of the Islamic Revolution, and universities and research centers. The competitiveness index of actors further supports this classification. The Islamic Consultative Assembly holds the highest competitiveness score (2.12), while universities and research centers have the lowest (0.02). Actors with a competitiveness score above 1 are considered above average in terms of influence. These include the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, Planning and Budget Organization, Deputy Governor’s Construction Department, the private sector and general public, and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development. Other actors demonstrate relatively low competitiveness. In the goal convergence map, actors positioned on the right side of the diagram show the highest alignment with the objectives of enhancing regional competitiveness. These actors include the private sector and general public, public institutions, the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, and the Deputy Governor’s Construction Department, among others. Conversely, actors on the left side of the diagram show lower convergence with regional competitiveness goals. In the convergence diagram, the red color indicates the highest level of goal alignment.
Conclusion
The research results indicate that the Islamic Consultative Assembly has the highest level of competitiveness (2.12), while universities and research centers show the lowest level of competitiveness (0.02) among the actors involved in the process of regional competitiveness in Iran. Furthermore, the findings reveal a high degree of convergence among key actors toward achieving regional competitiveness goals, particularly among the Provincial Planning and Development Council, the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, and the Industry and Mine Organization. In addition, the most important shared goal among actors in strengthening regional competitiveness is active participation in provincial development. Therefore, it can be argued that the uniform and simultaneous adoption of up-to-date technologies, along with access to robust macroeconomic infrastructure, is essential. In other words, scientific and technological innovation, the development of human resources, economic growth, and improved access to infrastructure are key factors contributing to regional competitiveness, as demonstrated both by the findings of this study and by previous research (Sharifzadegan & Nadayi-Tousi, 2015; Sotoudeh et al., 2014; Rahimi & Hosseinzadeh, 2014; Neira & Ramos, 2021; Gheorghiu et al., 2021). Policymakers and regional planners should incorporate these factors into their strategies for regional development.
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