A Competency Model for Innovation Leaders In urban management systems

Today, cities face many problems, challenges and dilemmas that can not be solved through traditional urban management methods without using the capabilities of creative and innovative managers. Managers and leaders of urban management as pioneers of urban development should be more and more effective in creating conditions for growth and development of innovation in the urban management system. The role of managers with innovation leadership skills in the urban management system is important in providing solutions to meet emerging challenges in cities. The existence of innovation-driven leaders who can be the driving force in achieving the development and progress of cities, initiating change and transformation, is undoubtedly necessary in creating developed cities. If we consider innovation as the driving force and vital force of urban development in the present age, the strategic priority for all city leaders and managers is to have the necessary competencies in this field. The role of leaders in facilitating and influencing creativity and innovation is undeniable. The purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical framework for identifying and evaluating the competency models of innovation leaders in the field of urban management system through the Meta-Synthesis method. In the present study, the method of systematic review of theoretical literature has been used to collect data. Accordingly, from 210 related articles according to qualitative and scientific criteria, 20 main articles were selected. Then three coding steps were performed and concepts and categories were extracted from literature-based data. Finally, a model, which was obtained from the literature of competency models of innovation leaders in the urban management system, was presented as a practical model in measuring the competencies of innovation leaders in the field of urban management. The results of the study indicate the identification of 5 main competencies and 31 sub-competencies; at the level of main competencies, professional ability and skill, managerial competencies, interpersonal competencies, professional knowledge and attitude and individual competencies have gained priorities one to five, respectively.