Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Economics, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Instructor, Geography and Urban Planning, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

Regional development policy based on the existing capacities of knowledge and innovation in the regions is one of the neglected issues in Iran's development policy. At present, there is no serious difference in providing solutions for different provinces, while the provinces of the country are different both in terms of the level of knowledge and innovation and its absorption capacity. In this research, based on the review of existing studies and new principles of measuring regional innovation capacity, a suitable framework for measuring innovation capacity is presented and accordingly, the innovation capacity of the country's provinces is measured. Results showed that in proportion to the decrease or increase in the level of development of regions, the innovation capacity of regions also increases or decreases. Innovation capacity has also decreased in proportion to the increasing geographical distance from the center of the country. Hence, Sistan and Baluchestan province has the lowest level of innovation capacity and provinces around Tehran such as Semnan, Karaj, Qazvin and Qom, have relatively high levels of innovation capacity. Nevertheless, Ilam and Bushehr provinces are in the first to fifth place among 31 provinces in terms of innovation capacity due to two important factors: 1. Small population and 2. Existence of oil and gas industries.

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