Centralized and top-down policymaking, resource allocation, and infrastructure concentration have long shaped Iran's industrial landscape. Rooted in its historical governance model and resource-based economic structure, this approach has inadvertently marginalized regions with untapped potential. A regional approach to industrial development is essential to address the disparities among Iranian provinces. While Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization (RIS3) has gained prominence for promoting specialization within regions and fostering inter-regional synergy, its adoption remains limited in large developing countries with diverse innovation portfolios. This article proposes a mathematical model for RIS3 that extends beyond high-tech industries to encompass medium – and low-tech sectors, acknowledging the full spectrum of innovation capabilities. The output of model's implementation for Iran’s provinces aligns relatively well with regional spatial planning documents, underscoring its reliability. The model's flexibility also allows adaptation to other contexts, making it a valuable tool for policymakers and practitioners seeking tailored strategies.
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