Comparative Analysis of the Sustainable Competitiveness of the Cities of Zanjan Province with a Future Research Approach

To preserve natural resources, realize economic growth, and achieve sustainable development goals, realizing sustainable competitiveness is the most important tool. Places must have the ability to compete in the market, innovate and adapt to changes, and experience sustainable growth and development. With sustainable competitiveness, places can ensure their survival against competitors and have a significant impact on the economy and society. To achieve the mentioned goals, it is necessary to know the factors affecting sustainable competitiveness. In this regard, in the present research, the ranking of sustainable competitiveness indicators among the cities of Zanjan province has been discussed first, and then the factors affecting sustainable competitiveness have been identified using the future research approach and Mic Mac software. The type of research is applied and descriptive-analytical. The statistical population of the research is 8 cities of Zanjan province according to the political divisions of 1400. To collect information, two library methods have been used (explaining the theoretical foundations, and background of the subject, and collecting dimensions and indicators in the field of competitiveness indicators) and a survey (questionnaire). The survey method, using a survey of 17 experts in the fields of Geography, economics, and management was used to score the candidates. The criteria used to measure the sustainable competitiveness of the cities of Zanjan province are from the 1400 statistical yearbook of Zanjan province. The analysis of the results of the direct effects of the five factors shows that the highest level of influence is related to the governance factor with a net transitory impact of 15 the natural capital factor with a net impact of 5, and the lowest level of influence is related to the infrastructure factor with a net impact of -1.