Identifying the Antecedents and Consequences of Strategic Thinking in the Border Region Problem-Solving System with Emphasis on Entrepreneurship and Employment (Case Study: Sistan and Baluchestan Province)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.

Abstract

Strategic thinking, as a key tool in solving complex problems, plays a significant role in shaping sustainable development and entrepreneurship. The present study aimed to identify the antecedents and consequences of strategic thinking in the problem-solving system of border regions, with an emphasis on the approach of entrepreneurship and employment in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. This research is applied in terms of purpose, descriptive in terms of data collection method, and mixed (qualitative-quantitative) in terms of exploratory sequential approach. The study's statistical population included academic experts and economic specialists active in the field of strategic thinking, border region issues of Sistan and Baluchestan, and entrepreneurship and employment, who were selected using a purposeful snowball sampling method based on the theoretical saturation criterion. The data collection tools were interviews in the qualitative phase and questionnaires in the quantitative phase. Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed by fuzzy cognitive mapping. The research results showed that the insular and parallel performance of relevant agencies in the field of employment in border areas with a centrality degree of 7.17, and the increase of national production in border areas and the creation of export opportunities with a centrality degree of 7.42, were identified as the most important antecedent and consequent of strategic thinking in the problem-solving system of border regions with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and employment, respectively. This study has practical recommendations for policymakers and planners.

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References

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  • Receive Date: 18 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 24 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 July 2025

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