Analyzing political-administrative obstacles to startup activity and explaining their function in responding to smart city challenges (Case study: Tehran metropolis)

Smart cities, as a new model for optimal management of cities and improving the quality of life of citizens, require effective interaction between government institutions, the private sector, and startups.Startups have significant potential to solve smart city challenges by providing technological and innovative solutions. However, their activities in the Tehran metropolis face a set of political and administrative obstacles that limit their effective participation in achieving smart city goals
The research method was qualitative and based on content analysis, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of urban innovative businesses.The research method was qualitative and based on content analysis, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of urban innovative businesses.
The findings show that political and administrative barriers such as weak and ineffective policies, lack of institutional coherence, weak government support, limited financial resources and cumbersome laws, lack of trust between stakeholders, and weak smart infrastructure reduce the capacity of startups to participate effectively and increase the risk of innovative activities.
The findings show that startups can mitigate these challenges and increase the capacity to realize a smart city by developing intelligent systems, data-driven monitoring tools, and online service platforms.Finally, the research emphasizes the need to reform short-term policies, strengthen institutional cohesion, empower startups through legal and financial incentives, integrate information systems, and improve digital citizen services to pave the way for a smart, sustainable, and accountable Tehran