Investigating the capacities and economic potentials of competitiveness in the northwestern provinces of the Iran

Objective: The main goal of this research is to examine the economic capacities and competitive potentials in the northwestern provinces of the Iran.

Methods: The research method is descriptive-analytical in nature and applied in terms of purpose, with data collection conducted through both library and field studies. The statistical population of this research includes the provinces located in northwestern of the Iran, specifically Ardabil, East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, and Zanjan. The analysis of the collected data was performed quantitatively using software such as EXCEL, Meta-SWOT, and ARC GIS. To weight the criteria, the ranking prioritization method was utilized, while the CoCoSo method was applied to assess the existing conditions of the provinces and rank them. Finally, the Meta-SWOT model was used to analyze regional competitiveness among the northwestern provinces based on availability of resources and regional competitiveness.

Results: The findings of this research indicate that in examining the status of resource availability in the four northwestern provinces of the country—East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Ardabil, and Zanjan—East Azarbaijan is recognized as the leading province in terms of economic development and industrial, mining, and transportation infrastructure. Zanjan province, with its numerous capabilities in mining and transportation infrastructure, ranks second. Additionally, according to the results of the Meta-SWOT model and the identified effective resources and capabilities, East Azarbaijan ranks first among these provinces in terms of resource availability and regional competitiveness, followed by Zanjan in second place. Ardabil and West Azarbaijan are ranked third and fourth, respectively.

Conclusions: In a general summary, with proper planning and collaboration between the government and the private sector, it is possible to enhance the economic competitiveness of these provinces and create the groundwork for sustainable growth and development.