Abstract

Background and purpose
Spatial governance plays a pivotal role in achieving integrated regional development. Characterized by collaborative policy-making between public and private actors, regional governance is a means to mobilize endogenous development potential, a significant factor in attracting foreign direct investment, and a way to influence regional development. Consequently, attaining integrated regional development and addressing regional disparities is a critical aspect of socioeconomic progress that necessitates a novel approach to regional governance. It is essential for achieving economic, social, and spatial cohesion. In this context, Lorestan Province, despite its significant but overlooked potential, faces numerous spatial disparities that have led to unbalanced regional development. The primary research question is:
-What is the main factor contributing to the unbalanced regional development of Lorestan Province?
This premise suggests that one of the reasons for the persistence of unbalanced regional development in Lorestan Province is rooted in the dysfunction of the governance system, in other words, regional governance. Given this, the present study aims to investigate and explain the effects of regional governance on integrated regional development.
Methodology
The current research is applied and seeks to explain the reasons and effects between the research components using a deductive approach. A deductive research strategy based on a quantitative method was employed to achieve the research objective and answer the 'why' questions. The study population comprises experts and academic-executive elites in academic institutions and development agencies. A sample of 30 individuals was selected using a stratified systematic sampling technique. Given the quantitative nature of the research, a questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. An inferential statistical approach was employed using Smart PLS to analyze the data. The measurement model was assessed using item reliability, composite reliability, factor loadings, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and the Fornell-Larcker criterion. The structural model was evaluated based on significance levels, coefficient of determination, effect size, and overall model fit.
Findings and discussion
The research results indicate that, based on the regional governance measurement model, among the mentioned indicators, the "intervention of power structures and governance in the region" and "transparency in decision-making processes" have the highest and lowest correlation with the regional governance variable, respectively. Moreover, the research findings show that the factor loadings of the integrated regional development measurement model are significant in 18 indicators (items). Based on this framework, "attention to the basic needs and infrastructure in nature-based tourism" and "accountability of regional development plans and programs" have the highest and lowest correlation with the integrated regional development variable, respectively.
Conclusion
Integrated territorial development, as a product of spatial planning and policy-making systems, will yield favorable outcomes when it is based on the principles and components of good regional governance. In other words, regional governance and the utilization of its components as an effective process can facilitate integrated regional development and realize the desired spatial organization as the final product. In this regard, the present study aims to analyze the effects of good regional governance on integrated regional development. The research results show that the observed variables have explanatory power for measuring the latent variable of "integrated regional development." Moreover, regional governance has a strong effect on integrated regional development. This finding is consistent with the results of the research by Darvishi and Sejody (2023). Given this, policymakers and researchers, by understanding the important role of spatial governance in achieving balanced regional development, can work towards creating more just and sustainable societies in the future.