Abstract

Background and Purpose: Border regions, due to their geographical isolation and historical underdevelopment, have lagged behind central areas in the development process. This disparity is further exacerbated by top-down development approaches that emphasize economic growth without ensuring sustainability. Contemporary frameworks increasingly advocate for institutional approaches integrating cultural and social dimensions. This study examines the role of collaborative governance in achieving balanced regional development in Kurdistan Province, a strategic border region of Iran. By analyzing key concepts such as governance drivers, system context, Collaborative governance regimes (CGR), and collaboration dynamic cycles, the research provides an operational framework to address structural deficiencies and promote equitable development.
Methodology: The study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research follows a developmental-applied methodology with a descriptive-analytical framework. Data collection involved extensive literature reviews, document analysis, and field surveys through structured questionnaires distributed among 40 local experts and policymakers. The research framework comprises four governance components: governance drivers, system context, Collaborative governance regimes (CGR), and collaboration dynamic. Each component was measured using specific indicators. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS, with a focus on the one-sample T-test to measure the effectiveness of governance components in achieving balanced regional development. Institutional and spatial planning theories were integrated to contextualize the findings. The study also identified structural weaknesses in governance mechanisms and participatory processes, which hinder effective collaboration. Through empirical data analysis, governance gaps were assessed, highlighting the necessity for institutional restructuring. The findings contribute to a governance model that enhances inter-organizational coordination, stakeholder involvement, and policy alignment for sustainable regional development.
Findings and Discussion: The findings of this study reveal that the level of collaborative governance in Kurdistan Province significantly falls short of the optimal standard required for achieving balanced regional development. Statistical analyses, including T-test evaluations, demonstrate that although each dimension of collaborative governance— governance drivers, system context, Collaborative governance regimes (CGR), and collaboration dynamic —plays a crucial role, none can independently drive balanced development. It is the synergistic and cyclical interaction among these components that enables effective and sustainable regional progress. Qualitative and comparative analysis further highlights fundamental structural weaknesses within the province’s institutional framework, including poor inter-organizational coordination, lack of decision-making transparency, and insufficient stakeholder trust. Core challenges such as excessive political centralization, limited civil society participation, and the absence of structured collaboration mechanisms have diminished the efficacy of development policies and exacerbated regional inequalities. To address these challenges, the research proposes a strategic, integrated model of collaborative governance tailored to the regional context. Utilizing the institutional capacities of the Provincial Planning and Development Council, the Administrative Council, the Governor’s Office, and key civil and private sector stakeholders, the model provides a structured platform for inclusive and cooperative policy-making. Emphasis is placed on the role of facilitative leadership, clear stakeholder roles, and the enhancement of institutional capital to foster a dynamic cycle of inter-organizational collaboration. From an applied perspective, the proposed model is operationalized through five core components: institutional capacity building, financial and legal tooling, inter-organizational networking, public awareness and mobilization, and participatory monitoring and evaluation. The framework underscores the formulation of a shared strategic vision as the cornerstone of balanced regional planning, incorporating analysis of existing constraints, mobilization of opportunities and resources, and the development of transparent legal frameworks. Ultimately, the process culminates in the formulation of a Strategic Document for Collaborative Governance—a practical roadmap for equitable and sustainable development in the border regions of Kurdistan Province.
Conclusion: This study underscores the critical role of collaborative governance in reducing regional disparities and fostering balanced development in Kurdistan Province, a key border region of Iran. The proposed governance model prioritizes institutional reform, stakeholder participation, and policy alignment to ensure sustainable development. By integrating economic, social, and political dimensions into governance structures, policymakers can mitigate historical underdevelopment in border regions and strengthen regional resilience. As a pioneering study in collaborative governance for Kurdistan, this research provides a strategic roadmap for policymakers and planners. Future studies should validate the model’s applicability in other border regions to assess its scalability and effectiveness.