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Urban Competitiveness: Identification and Analysis of Sustainable Key Drivers (A Case Study in Iran)

Author

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  • Hossein Komasi

    (School of Engineering, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo 1780000, Chile)

  • Sarfaraz Hashemkhani Zolfani

    (School of Engineering, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo 1780000, Chile)

  • Olegas Prentkovskis

    (Department of Mobile Machinery and Railway Transport, Faculty of Transport Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10105 Vilnius, Lithuania)

  • Paulius Skačkauskas

    (Department of Mobile Machinery and Railway Transport, Faculty of Transport Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10105 Vilnius, Lithuania)

Abstract

From the mid-1990s onwards, the concept of competitiveness was introduced to firms at the level of countries, regions, and cities. It was used as an index of the success and superiority of places. The present study used quantitative (survey) and qualitative methods in the framework of the exploratory paradigm to achieve key driving variables affecting the competitiveness of Kermanshah. The present study was applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive–analytical nature and research method. The study’s statistical population consisted of experts related to the Kermanshah competitiveness index, which studied 30 experts using the snowball method. MICMAC software was used to analyze the research data. Findings indicated that out of a total of 54 variables affecting the competitiveness of Kermanshah, 11 variables were in this group, which were the role of Kermanshah city in the power structure (MIN1); geographical and strategic location (MIN4); national, regional, and local plans (MIN5); management (MIN6); clean and healthy air (ENV1); potential sources of soil and water (ENV2); security of space (SEC2); the agricultural sector (ECO7); domestic tourism (ECO16); foreign tourism (ECO17); and sustainable sources of income (ECO19). The final model of Kermanshah’s future competitiveness will be that in the first stage, if the government (administration and government structure), in the form of national, regional, and local programs, pays attention to the competitive advantages of places. Especially, in large cities, and eliminating regional inequalities and in the next stage, local government (officials, managers, and all planners as the executive department) will need to act in order to operationalize the competitiveness of the city. With the correct use of opportunities and potentials (economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and security), in the 20-year horizon, Kermanshah will be a city with national and even transnational competitiveness. Otherwise, in addition to burning opportunities and destroying the capabilities of Kermanshah, other places adjacent to Kermanshah province will gradually be involved in challenges; tensions; and economic, cultural, social, environmental, security, and other crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Hossein Komasi & Sarfaraz Hashemkhani Zolfani & Olegas Prentkovskis & Paulius Skačkauskas, 2022. "Urban Competitiveness: Identification and Analysis of Sustainable Key Drivers (A Case Study in Iran)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:13:p:7844-:d:849151
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Haojue Zhang & Yifu Sun & Changyu Meng, 2023. "Sustainable Urban Competitiveness from a Financial Development Perspective: An Empirical Study of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-18, February.

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