Structural Modeling of the Effects of Distributed and Data-Driven Governance on Spatial Resilience in Territorial Planning: The Mediating Role of Transparency and Spatial Justice

Abstract

This study aimed to construct and test a structural model explaining how distributed and data-driven governance influence spatial resilience in territorial planning through the mediating roles of transparency and spatial justice. A total of 235 experts in spatial planning and governance participated through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a validated researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed via structural equation modeling. Reliability and validity indices were above the recommended thresholds (Cronbach’s α > 0.70). The final model demonstrated a good fit (RMSEA = 0.056). Results revealed that distributed governance (β = 0.31) and data-driven governance (β = 0.28) both exert significant positive direct effects on spatial resilience. Transparency (β = 0.26) and spatial justice (β = 0.29) also had direct and substantial impacts. Indirect effects were confirmed for distributed governance via transparency (β = 0.11) and for data-driven governance via spatial justice (β = 0.10). These findings emphasize that reinforcing spatial resilience requires mechanisms promoting open data, institutional transparency, and equitable territorial resource allocation, providing an integrative framework for smart and fair territorial governance in Iran.