Identifying Executive Conflicts in the Implementation of Urban Innovation Districts: A Case Study of the Eghbal Innovation District in Yazd

Urban policies prioritize knowledge production, innovation, and economic growth. As a new land use type, innovation districts have gained prominence in urban development policies and planning worldwide. However, these districts face significant challenges, including conflicts during their development and misalignments with existing urban plans. This study aims to identify these conflicts, redefine the role of innovation districts in urban planning, and propose a structured framework for their management. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach, the research applies thematic analysis, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), MICMAC analysis, and GIS to examine the Eghbal Innovation District in Yazd. The findings reveal 29 distinct conflicts, classified into eight categories, with legal and managerial conflicts emerging as the most influential, exerting the greatest impact on other conflict types. Conversely, social, participatory, and physical form conflicts exhibit a high degree of dependency. To address these challenges, the study introduces a comprehensive conflict management framework, offering insights for policymakers and urban planners to enhance the effectiveness of innovation district implementation.