نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 کارشناسی ارشد برنامه‌ریزی منطقه‌ای، دانشکده مهندسی معماری و شهرسازی، دانشگاه علم و صنعت ایران، تهران، ایران
2 استادیارگروه شهرسازی،دانشکده مهندسی معماری و شهرسازی، دانشگاه علم و صنعت ایران، تهران، ایران
3 دانشیارگروه شهرسازی ،دانشکده مهندسی معماری و شهرسازی، دانشگاه علم و صنعت ایران، تهران، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژه‌ها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Introduction: Decentralization is considered a fundamental tool for achieving economic and administrative efficiency in different regions of the world and is often implemented as a response to three major factors: top-down centralized planning, the need for spatial justice and population distribution, and the existence of various problems and issues in centralized areas. As such, adopting a decentralized approach that takes into account the relative advantages of regions and their diverse environmental capabilities can lead to the growth and development of diverse settlements across a country. In most developing countries, concentration has been created in various fields based on the social, economic, and environmental conditions governing them. Furthermore, excessively centralized government management structures have resulted in the deprivation of basic standards for growth, development, and living well-being in all regions of the country. Consequently, many developed and developing countries prioritize decentralization as an essential strategy to address the needs of people in different regions. Despite increased research, significant conceptual confusion persists regarding decentralization. Researchers hold differing views on the concepts and definitions of decentralization, its underlying causes, and outcomes.
Methodology: The objective of the present study is to conceptualize national and regional decentralization and to identify conceptual models and measurement indicators using a descriptive-analytical approach within a comparative framework for evaluated components. To establish a theoretical framework, a documentary-library approach was utilized to identify factors affecting decentralization.
Results: After reviewing academic and international literature on decentralization, 50 indicators were selected to measure decentralization. Furthermore, a conceptual model was proposed to elucidate key factors involved in the decentralization process, including population, economic development, revenue, expenditure, geographical size, government structure, service provision, expert human resources, and access to knowledge and information.
This conceptual model can assist policymakers and planners in developing optimal strategies for decentralization from centralized areas by examining the process, factors, and outcomes of decentralization.
Discussion: Decentralization is a complex, multidimensional concept without a single agreed definition. Many studies highlight its positive social, economic, political, and spatial impacts. Decentralized planning and management are fundamental strategies adopted widely by numerous countries to achieve desired outcomes. Decentralization is an important mechanism for transferring power and resources from central government institutions to local levels of government. It is important to note that, though the goals of decentralization may differ, they all aim to improve democratic governance, increase citizen participation, and enhance government accountability. Fiscal, spatial, administrative, economic, and political decentralization are necessary to reduce inequalities, promote economic growth, strengthen local governance, and consolidate democracy. The goal of decentralization is to change administrative systems and processes in order to improve public participation, increase access to resources, and improve efficiency in the centralized policymaking process. Local government leaders possess the opportunity to develop innovative solutions for tackling complex problems and addressing local needs, thereby fostering democracy and enhancing responsiveness. Additionally, decentralization plays a significant role in spatial development by promoting the growth and development of productive areas and the efficient use of scarce resources to uplift deprived areas, as well as promoting equitable access to public goods and services and the development of infrastructure that meets the needs of local communities throughout the region, which leads to spatial balance at national and regional levels. In addition, it can lead to the creation of competitive markets that promote the development of innovative ideas, creativity, and entrepreneurship, leading to a more dynamic economy and an equitable distribution of wealth that can adapt to changes as they occur.
Conclusion: Despite various policies and measures related to decentralization, the process remains centralized and has not been successfully implemented in practice due to a lack of delegation to regional and local levels, central government structures, neglect of some regions, and the absence of systematic and principled planning. Successful implementation of decentralization requires time and continuous attention and should be gradually phased in. Global experiences have shown that considering all dimensions of decentralization allows regional and local governments to respond to citizens' needs, leading to improved quality and efficiency. Decentralization approaches yield different results based on the structural conditions of individual countries. Therefore, analyzing the situation, prioritizing issues, assessing capacity, identifying necessary reforms, determining roles and responsibilities, and identifying beneficiaries are necessary for successful outcomes.
کلیدواژه‌ها [English]
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