Redesigning Iran’s water-energy-food nexus: A path to sustainability and shared value creation

The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus is a critical framework to address interconnected resource management challenges in Iran, particularly amid increasing environmental constraints and socio-economic pressures. This study applies the System Redesign toward Creating Shared Value (SYRCS) methodology to redesign the WEF nexus, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and systemic reforms. By incorporating tools like Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH), Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) and the Best-Worst Method (BWM), this study identifies systemic gaps, prioritizes stakeholder preferences, and evaluates sustainable alternatives. Key findings reveal the necessity to shift from government-centered, short-term strategies to a more inclusive, long-term framework focused on the adoption of renewable energy, strategic crop cultivation and groundwater preservation. The analysis emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies, regional cooperation, and innovative policies to improve resource efficiency and resilience. The results highlight actionable solutions such as dynamic pricing systems, agrivoltaic technologies, and waste integration, providing a pathway for sustainable development. This research underscores the importance of collaborative governance, evidence-based decision making, and interdisciplinary approaches in transforming Iran's WEF nexus into a resilient and sustainable system capable of addressing future challenges.