Strategic Planning for the Regional Development of Knowledge-Based Economy in Iran: A SWOT Analysis Approach (Case Study: Kerman Province)

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of Economic Sciences, Faculty of Management and Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

2 Department of Economics, Faculty of Management and Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3 Department of Economics, Faculty of Management and Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract

This study develops a regional strategy portfolio to advance Iran’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy through a mixed-methods approach, using Kerman Province as a case study. The conceptual framework draws on the National Innovation System (NIS), the Triple Helix of university–industry–government, multi-level governance, and smart specialization. Methodologically, a mixed comparative–analytical design is employed. At the national level, Iran’s policies and performance are benchmarked against South Korea across key dimensions—human capital, R&D, institutional quality, digital infrastructure, intellectual property, the innovation environment, and international collaboration. At the regional level, document review and expert interviews (N=14) yielded 32 SWOT statements, which were scored and prioritized using a five-point Likert scale. A TOWS matrix then combined the salient factors into ten implementable strategies across the SO, WO, ST, and WT quadrants. Findings indicate that the main obstacles to knowledge-based development are not shortages of scientific capacity but rather weak institutional synergy, underdeveloped intermediary organizations, instability of policy instruments, fragile university–industry linkages, and shallow early-stage financing. The proposed portfolio includes targeted interventions: export-oriented innovation chains in mining and specialized accelerators (SO); SME empowerment, networking of intermediaries, and upgrades to firms’ digital readiness (WO); talent retention and return schemes and regional technology branding (ST); and strengthened intellectual property protection, IP clinics, and a layered innovation-finance stack (WT). The paper concludes by advocating a shift from centralized, sectoral policy-making to place-based, participatory governance, paired with institutional redesign and empowered intermediaries—an approach that is transferable to semi-advantaged provinces and translates the “scientific capacity/institutional efficiency” gap into executable regional strategies

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References

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