Analysis of the Problems of Tehran Metropolitan Innovation System Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping

Innovation is the key in order to  solve  the problems of many cities in the contemporary world. Nowadays, the growth of innovation between cities is considered to be the determining factor in increasing competitiveness and growth, which occurs in the context of urban innovation systems. Cities need a proper understanding of the dimensions, factors and issues of the urban innovation system in order to increase innovation and accelerate the dissemination and application of it. In this research, issues of Tehran metropolitan innovation system are recognized as  three groups of factors , based on theoretical foundations and using the Real-Time Delphi  method ; 1) Innovation infrastructures ; 2) Innovation interactions and Networks; and 3) Innovative policy-making and then ,degree of effectiveness, centrality and effectiveness of each factor on improving the innovation system of Tehran metropolis have been measured by fuzzy cognitive mapping method. Finally , results of the research indicate that issues related to innovation infrastructure are more important than the other two aspects, that the lack of large technological and innovative companies and the lack of research and development institutions are more critical  .However, the weakness of financial policy-making that promotes urban innovation  is ranked first, issues related to urban innovation infrastructures in overall Tehran metropolitan innovation system are stronger than other dimensions.