Land use and Sustainable Development

Innovation is a central driver of competitiveness at both institutional and national levels and serves as one of the key stimuli for production. It plays a vital role for countries aiming to enhance their economic growth and prosperity. In this context, the assessment of innovation has become a prominent topic in scientometric studies in recent years. The need to consider existing international concepts and indicators, along with the necessity of adopting the most appropriate approach to understand a country's real position at the global level, are among the main reasons highlighting its importance. Accordingly, the present study aims to measure and analyze the spatial distribution patterns of global innovation indicators in selected countries, with a focus on Iran, during the period from 2015 to 2018. The research employs a combination of descriptive and analytical methods and is applied in nature. For data analysis, models such as Shannon Entropy, TOPSIS, Coefficient of Variation (C.V), Global Moran’s Spatial Autocorrelation, and ArcGIS software were used. The results of the study revealed that among the selected countries, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey ranked first to third with the highest TOPSIS scores of 0.861, 0.695, and 0.690, respectively. Iran, with a score of 0.630, was ranked fifth, while Yemen, with the lowest score of 0.028, was ranked last.

This study examines the Human Resources Governance (HRG) system in Tehran Municipality, focusing on its alignment with sustainable urban development. Tehran, Iran’s economic and political hub, faces unique HR challenges due to economic volatility, stringent regulations, cultural norms, and rapid urban growth. The research investigates how HRG can address these complexities to foster a sustainable workforce. Drawing on agency theory and the resource-based view, the study explores the interplay of legal compliance, cultural values, and technological adoption in shaping effective HR systems. Tehran’s labor market, shaped by the 1990 Labor Law and Islamic principles, navigates a dual economy of state-owned enterprises and emerging private sectors, yet struggles with outdated HR practices, high turnover, and brain drain exacerbated by sanctions and inflation. The study highlights the need for modernized HR strategies, including digital tools like Human Resource Information Systems, to enhance recruitment, retention, and employee engagement. Cultural factors, such as collectivism and gender roles, further complicate governance, necessitating inclusive policies to bridge disparities. Opportunities lie in leveraging Tehran’s youthful, educated workforce and regional economic role through public-private partnerships, digital transformation, and ESG-focused strategies. The research employs a qualitative approach, analyzing Tehran’s HR landscape through literature reviews and spatial auto-correlation methods. Findings suggest that adaptive, culturally sensitive HRG frameworks can mitigate economic and regulatory challenges while promoting sustainability. By integrating global best practices with local realities, Tehran can strengthen its human capital, positioning itself as a leader in HR governance for sustainable urban development.

Ecological cities seek to create a sustainable balance between human activities and the environment. Based on the objective, this is applied-developmental research. In the qualitative section, grounded theory and MAXQDA software were used for qualitative data analysis. Interpretive-structural modeling and a structural self-interaction matrix were used to provide the initial model. In the quantitative analysis section, the partial least squares technique, structural equation modeling with PLS software, was used. The location and case study are the city of Qazvin. The characteristics and dimensions related to the ecological city in the community, geographical dimension, physical boundary, and sphere of influence with eco-urban dimensions have been studied and analyzed. The results seek to raise awareness and assist in generalizing to similar societies and expanding its application. The statistical population in the qualitative section includes experts, university professors, and urban management specialists. The sampling method combines two methods: purposive non-probability sampling and theoretical sampling. The questionnaire includes 15 main factors and 60 items. Using the power analysis rule at a 95% confidence level, with an effect size of 0.15 and a statistical power of 80%, the minimum sample size was estimated to be 145 people. For greater certainty, 150 questionnaires were collected. The relationships of the constructs affecting the model were investigated and identified. After identifying the sequence of constructs, they were classified in the MICMAC diagram based on the power of influence and the degree of dependence.

This study investigates the feasibility and implications of implementing smart water supply systems as an integral component of the broader smart city initiative in Qazvin, Iran. As cities worldwide face growing challenges related to urbanization, resource management, and sustainability, smart infrastructure—particularly in water supply—has emerged as a critical area of innovation. The primary aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between smart water systems and overall urban smartness, assessing the extent to which intelligent water management can contribute to more efficient, resilient, and citizen-centered urban development. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study integrates qualitative insights gathered through in-depth interviews with urban planning experts, and quantitative data obtained from structured surveys distributed among municipal managers and water authority officials. The results indicate that the integration of smart technologies in water systems has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of water distribution, enhance leak detection, reduce resource wastage, and foster greater public awareness and participation in water conservation efforts. Despite these advantages, several obstacles impede the successful adoption of such systems. Key challenges identified include limited financial resources, inadequate technological infrastructure, a shortage of skilled personnel, and the absence of cohesive regulatory and policy frameworks. The findings emphasize the importance of coordinated planning, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to address these barriers effectively.

Existing studies indicate that the processes of urban growth and decline are not a new phenomenon, because cities have always been growing in one period and declining in another throughout history. What is clear is that the deterioration of the urban fabric arises from within the fabric itself, and any newly built fabric can have the roots of deterioration and incompatibility from the very begining. The historical fabric of Yazd is not far from these changes and developments and has been affected by them. Therefore, it is essential to understand the historical fabric of the city. Therefore, the importance and necessity of solutions that will keep the historical fabric of Yazd away from the deterioration and withering of social, economic, etc. activities is becoming more and more apparent. The purpose of this research is to investigate and identify the most important factors affecting urban decline in the neighborhoods of the historical fabric of Yazd. The type of applied research and its method are descriptive. The research data includes theoretical data as well as survey data with a statistical sample consisting of 400 questionnaires distributed and completed among citizens living in the historical urban fabric neighborhoods. The data analysis is done using factor analysis and regression coefficient. the results of the research from factor analysis indicate that the factors of physical quality of neighborhoods with a specific value of 18.12 percent, social characteristics of neighborhoods with a specific value of 14.25.

This paper examines and critically analyzes the housing policies outlined in the Seventh Five-Year Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In light of the country's rapid population growth, urban expansion, and the resulting increase in housing demand, the study seeks to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies and measures proposed in this national plan. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study uses content analysis of official government documents, including legislation, strategic frameworks, and housing-related policy reports. Through this approach, it identifies key policy objectives, strategic directions, and actionable programs implemented or proposed during the planning period. the findings suggest that the Seventh Five-Year Plan adopts a multifaceted and integrated approach aimed at enhancing housing supply, improving the quality and resilience of existing housing stock, particularly in deteriorated urban fabrics, and ensuring equitable access to land and housing for low-income and vulnerable social groups. The plan emphasizes increasing private sector participation by providing incentives such as low-interest loans, allocating public land without preconditions of residence, and streamlining the legal framework for housing development. Despite these promising initiatives, the study identifies significant obstacles to the successful implementation of these policies, including the lack of inter-agency coordination, insufficient funding mechanisms, and delays in land allocation. These challenges hinder the realization of inclusive housing development goals. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency, promoting stakeholder collaboration, and improving the financial and operational feasibility of housing projects.