Presenting a conceptual framework of urban creativity and innovation with a knowledge-based urban development approach (case study: Tehran)

Today, the world has taken a fundamental step from traditional development to knowledge-based development. Knowledge-based urban development is a controversial topic among international organizations, competent authorities in cities, as well as researchers. The future of urban areas, especially in developing countries, increasingly depends on the capacity to produce, absorb, retain and strengthen knowledge. The purpose of this study is to present a conceptual framework of urban creativity and innovation with a knowledge-based urban development approach in Tehran. Therefore, first, by descriptive-analytical method, the criteria and indicators of urban creativity, urban innovation and urban knowledge-based development were extracted from theoretical foundations, patterns and experiences, and then by Delphi method, they were screened and stabilized in three rounds. Quantitative data from Tehran were extracted and compared with Melbourne, which is one of the first knowledge-based cities in the world. The results of this study show that to achieve knowledge-based urban development, knowledge is necessary but not enough, in other words, it can be said that creativity is at the heart of knowledge and knowledge is practical when it leads to innovation. These three variables are necessary and are intertwined in such a way that the achievement of a knowledge-based city is not possible by eliminating any of these cases. Also, the comparison of knowledge-based urban development indicators in Tehran and Melbourne as a model shows a huge difference in the 44 indicators introduced and proves the need for a codified model to turn Tehran into a knowledge-based city.