A B S T R A C T
The inefficiency of traditional urban planning approaches in Iran has intensified the necessity of adopting innovative frameworks such as the City Development Strategy (CDS). The present study aims to explain the factors influencing the strategic development of Shahrekord through a creative city approach and to propose its process model. In terms of purpose, this research is applied, and in terms of nature and methodology, it is descriptive-analytical. Data were collected using both library-based and field methods. In the qualitative phase, 18 academic and executive experts were selected through purposive sampling and participated in the Delphi process and Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM). In the complementary quantitative phase, 384 citizens were selected through stratified cluster sampling and completed validated questionnaires with confirmed reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.8). This section was conducted solely to provide the mental and contextual framework of the study and did not contribute to the main model. Data analysis was carried out using MICMAC analysis. The quantitative evaluation indicated that the four CDS dimensions in Shahrekord are in an unfavourable condition, with the governance dimension (mean = 2.98) and competitiveness dimension (mean = 3.02) obtaining the lowest scores. The Interpretive Structural Model identified “strengthening the local community” and “enhancing attractiveness and creativity” as the fundamental driving forces at the highest level. Furthermore, MICMAC analysis revealed that most variables were located within the linkage zone, indicating complex and bidirectional relationships among the elements and reflecting the strong interdependence of development components in Shahrekord.The formulation of a Shahrekord City Development Strategy document based on the creative city approach requires simultaneous attention to the three components of tolerance, talent, and technology within the framework of the four CDS dimensions. The proposed process model, emphasising the infrastructural role of the local community and creativity, can serve as a roadmap for urban planners and policymakers.

Extended Abstract
Introduction
Cities, as the most complex achievements of human civilization, are dynamic and multidimensional phenomena. In the post–World War II era, one of the most significant challenges facing developing countries has been rapid and unbalanced urban growth. This trend is becoming increasingly critical, particularly with projections indicating that more than 60% of the world’s population will reside in urban areas by 2030.
Accordingly, the present study aims to explain the factors influencing the strategic development of the city of Shahrekord through a creative city approach. Despite its strategic geographical position, Shahrekord faces serious social, economic, and environmental challenges. Therefore, the necessity of formulating a City Development Strategy (CDS) based on the creative city approach has become increasingly evident. In this regard, the study seeks to answer the following question: What are the factors influencing the strategic development of Shahrekord within the framework of the creative city approach?
Within this context, the City Development Strategy document is considered a key instrument for realising the vision of the “creative city.” This document provides a strategic framework comprising objectives, priorities, and policy measures that guide urban development and improvement, while also serving as a roadmap for urban decision-making and investment.
Nevertheless, the urban planning system in Iran, which is predominantly based on comprehensive and detailed plans characterized by sectoral, prescriptive, and inflexible approaches, lacks a democratic and participatory framework. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a fundamental revision of this system and the adoption of approaches such as CDS to enhance citizen participation and improve the efficiency of decision-making and policy-making processes. The expansion of urbanisation and the increasing complexity of urban issues have further intensified the need for comprehensive and effective strategies aimed at improving citizens’ quality of life.
The necessity of conducting this research stems from the inefficiency of traditional planning approaches in addressing contemporary urban challenges, particularly in developing countries. Urban planning systems in these countries share several common characteristics, including unrealistic and overly ambitious goals, the absence of a coherent legal framework, limited financial resources, inadequate citizen participation, and the rigidity of existing plans. In Iran, urban development plans have similarly failed to provide effective solutions to urban problems due to factors such as neglect of demographic drivers, non-expert interventions, prolonged approval procedures, lack of a regional perspective, and insufficient attention to the dominant functions of cities.
One of the most prominent manifestations of this new approach is the City Development Strategy (CDS). However, Iran’s urban planning system, which is largely grounded in traditional comprehensive planning, continues to suffer from the absence of a participatory framework. In this regard, the City Development Strategy document has emerged as an important instrument for achieving the concept of the “creative city.” Creativity is widely recognised as a driving force for economic growth, innovation, and the enhancement of quality of life.
 
Methodology
The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature and methodology. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (qualitative–quantitative). In the qualitative phase, which constituted the core of the analysis, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 experts, including four representatives from the municipality, five from the governor-general’s office, three from the Housing Foundation, three from the governor’s office, and three university faculty members. Participants were selected purposively based on the criterion of having at least five years of executive or research experience in the field of urban planning.
In the complementary quantitative phase, a questionnaire was distributed among 384 citizens. The results of this phase—without direct involvement in the ISM model—were used solely to provide the researchers with a contextual understanding of the existing conditions in Shahrekord. However, the principal analyses (ISM and MICMAC models) were conducted exclusively on the basis of expert opinions gathered from the 18 specialists using Delphi and Nominal Group techniques.
For Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), eight key variables were initially extracted through a systematic review of the theoretical literature and adaptation to the conditions of Shahrekord. Subsequently, to construct the Structural Self-Interaction Matrix (SSIM), the experts participated in two nominal group sessions. In the first session, pairwise relationships between each pair of the eight variables were determined using the symbols V (direct influence from i to j), A (direct influence from j to i), X (mutual influence), and O (no relationship). In the second session, divergent opinions were refined into consensus through two rounds of Delphi feedback. Ultimately, the SSIM matrix was finalised based on the consensus of the 18 experts.
The SSIM matrix was then converted into initial and final reachability matrices. Finally, variable level partitioning and MICMAC analysis were performed. The content validity of the research instruments was confirmed through the calculation of the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI), both exceeding 0.8. Reliability was also verified through repeatability testing across two stages, yielding an agreement rate above 85%.
 
Findings
The findings of the ISM model demonstrated that “strengthening the local community” and “enhancing attractiveness and creativity” are the most fundamental driving forces for creative city development in Shahrekord. This finding is consistent with the theory proposed by Florida (2004) regarding the role of the creative class and also aligns with the results of Jafari Namvar et al. (2025), who identified “talent” as the most important indicator. Furthermore, the placement of “governance” at Level 3 and within the dependent cluster indicates that improving governance is not feasible without strengthening the local community. This finding confirms the inefficiency of traditional and top-down planning approaches in Shahrekord.
The MICMAC analysis, which located most variables within the linkage cluster, highlights the systemic nature of development. In other words, due to weaknesses in the underlying variables—namely the local community and creativity—other dimensions have become trapped within a network of interdependencies. This situation underscores the necessity of adopting simultaneous and integrated strategies.
The most significant contribution of this study is the presentation of a multi-level process model based on ISM, demonstrating that the two elements of “strengthening the local community” and “enhancing attractiveness and creativity” function as the most influential foundational drivers. Contrary to the common assumption that infrastructural improvement or financial provision should be prioritized, the extracted model indicates that under the specific conditions of Shahrekord—characterized by weak governance and deteriorated social capital—the starting point for transformation lies in empowering the local community and creating attractiveness for the creative class. From a theoretical perspective, this finding challenges purely physical and infrastructure-oriented approaches by emphasizing the soft and human dimensions of development.
 
Conclusion
The principal achievement of this research is the presentation of a multi-level process model based on Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis. The model demonstrates that the elements of “strengthening the local community” and “enhancing attractiveness and creativity” serve as the most fundamental and infrastructural driving forces at the highest level of influence.
Based on the findings, the formulation of a City Development Strategy for Shahrekord grounded in the creative city approach should be structured around the following strategic priorities:
First, empowering the local community and strengthening social capital through the establishment of civic organizations, the organization of cultural and artistic events, and the creation of mechanisms for meaningful citizen participation in urban decision-making processes.
Second, fostering and attracting talent through support for creative and start-up businesses, the establishment of entrepreneurial spaces, and the strengthening of linkages among universities, industry, and society.
Third, institutionalizing a culture of tolerance through the promotion of cultural diversity, respect for differences, and the creation of inclusive public spaces.
Fourth, utilizing modern information and communication technologies to improve urban services, enhance transparency and accountability within urban management institutions, and facilitate communication between citizens and urban managers.
Fifth, ensuring sustainable financing for urban development projects through the use of innovative financial instruments, attracting private-sector investment, and providing financial support for creative industries.
From a practical perspective, the proposed model can serve as a roadmap for urban planners, encouraging them to design programs and projects with a priority on “people and creativity” rather than merely on “construction and physical development.” Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed:
· Establishing a Creative and Social Innovation Center in Shahrekord through cooperation between universities and the municipality;
· Redefining decision-making processes within the City Council toward maximum participation of non-governmental organizations;
· Designing an operational program to attract creative graduates by providing financial incentives and appropriate workspaces;
· Employing information technologies to increase municipal transparency and accountability.
One limitation of this study is its focus on a single city; therefore, the generalizability of the findings should be approached with caution. It is recommended that future studies conduct comparative analyses of creative cities in Iran and also examine the individual roles of the three components of tolerance, talent, and technology within the CDS dimensions through advanced quantitative methods.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
 
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.