Analyzing the structure and interregional effects of spatial competitiveness using a multiregional input-output approach, case study: Tehran Metropolitan Region, Iran

Bahmanpour Khalesi, Hamidreza; Zebardast, Esfandiar; Nourian, Farshad; Banouei, Ali Asghar

doi:10.22034/uep.2026.587200.1927

Analyzing the structure and interregional effects of spatial competitiveness using a multiregional input-output approach, case study: Tehran Metropolitan Region, Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Hamidreza Bahmanpour Khalesi ¹

Esfandiar Zebardast ²

Farshad Nourian ³

Ali Asghar Banouei ⁴

¹ PhD Candidate in Urban Planning, School of Urban Planning, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

² Professor, Department of Regional Planning, School of Urban Planning, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

³ Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Management, School of Urban Planning, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Professor, Department of Economic Planning and Development, Faculty of Economics, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/uep.2026.587200.1927

Abstract

The Tehran Metropolitan Region, as Iran’s most important economic and administrative center, holds a pivotal position in the spatial organization of the national economy. This article examines the structure and interregional effects of spatial competitiveness in this region using a multi-regional input-output approach. Methodologically, the study is quantitative, applied, and exploratory. Its scope is the Tehran Metropolitan Region within Iran’s national territory during 2021 (the Iranian calendar year 1400). Research data were compiled from national and regional accounts for 2021 and the national input-output table for 2016 (the Iranian calendar year 1395), published by the Statistical Center of Iran, and used to estimate a seven-region input-output table. Economic relations were analyzed through two complementary methods: multiplier decomposition and spatial backward and forward linkage indices. On the one hand, multiplier decomposition showed that sectors such as chemicals, oil, agriculture, and construction have considerable internal capacity to form production clusters, and the activities in the food industries, chemicals, construction, and machinery can stimulate production in other regions. On the other hand, the spatial backward and forward linkage indices indicated that Tehran’s main role at the macro level is better understood in terms of demand generation, the concentration of advanced services, management, coordination, and the organization of economic networks. Therefore, rather than being an input-oriented industrial pole, Tehran functions as a metropolitan node of service, management, demand, and network competitiveness within the national economy.

Keywords

Interregional effects

multiregional input-output table

spatial competitiveness

spatial linkages

spillover effects

Tehran Metropolis

Subjects

Regional Economics

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