University of Tehran Press Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 57 1 2026 03 21 An Integrated and Localized Model of a Resilient Economy Based on Digital Technologies in Agriculture and Handicrafts of Sistan An Integrated and Localized Model of a Resilient Economy Based on Digital Technologies in Agriculture and Handicrafts of Sistan 65 83 105355 10.22059/ijaedr.2026.402139.669387 FA Mojtaba Davarpanah Department of Agricultural Economics-Agricultural Marketing, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran. 0000-0002-2280-6342 Majid Dahmardeh Department of Agricultural Economics and Development, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0002-1570-4559 Journal Article 2025 09 14 This research aims to present an innovative model for strengthening resilient economy based on digital technologies in the agriculture and handicrafts sectors of the Sistan region. The statistical population comprised 364 economic actors from both the agriculture and handicrafts sectors, selected using stratified random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-developed questionnaire utilizing a Likert scale, and the data were analyzed through statistical methods including descriptive statistics, Friedman test, convergent and discriminant validity (AVE, CR, HTMT), structural equation modeling (SEM), multi-group testing, and cluster analysis. The findings indicated that optimal water resource management holds the highest importance in agriculture, while enhancing digital presence has the greatest effect in the handicrafts sector (p<0.001). The validity, reliability, and fit indices of the structural equation model were at satisfactory levels (RMSEA=0.039; CFI=0.961). The SEM results demonstrated a significant positive impact of online presence and resource productivity on resilient economic performance, particularly in handicrafts, where market demand is more dependent on digital platforms. The results suggest that the simultaneous development of digital infrastructure and resource optimization is key to enhancing the resilient economy in Sistan. In agriculture, prioritizing water management policies and training in modern technologies is essential, while in handicrafts, active participation in digital markets and branding is crucial. Therefore, establishing a "Regional Innovation and Digital Marketing Center" with a mission to teach digital skills, conduct market analysis, and provide branding and export services, alongside water resource management projects, could contribute to achieving a sustainable resilient economy and increasing the competitiveness of producers in Sistan. This research aims to present an innovative model for strengthening resilient economy based on digital technologies in the agriculture and handicrafts sectors of the Sistan region. The statistical population comprised 364 economic actors from both the agriculture and handicrafts sectors, selected using stratified random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-developed questionnaire utilizing a Likert scale, and the data were analyzed through statistical methods including descriptive statistics, Friedman test, convergent and discriminant validity (AVE, CR, HTMT), structural equation modeling (SEM), multi-group testing, and cluster analysis. The findings indicated that optimal water resource management holds the highest importance in agriculture, while enhancing digital presence has the greatest effect in the handicrafts sector (p<0.001). The validity, reliability, and fit indices of the structural equation model were at satisfactory levels (RMSEA=0.039; CFI=0.961). The SEM results demonstrated a significant positive impact of online presence and resource productivity on resilient economic performance, particularly in handicrafts, where market demand is more dependent on digital platforms. The results suggest that the simultaneous development of digital infrastructure and resource optimization is key to enhancing the resilient economy in Sistan. In agriculture, prioritizing water management policies and training in modern technologies is essential, while in handicrafts, active participation in digital markets and branding is crucial. Therefore, establishing a "Regional Innovation and Digital Marketing Center" with a mission to teach digital skills, conduct market analysis, and provide branding and export services, alongside water resource management projects, could contribute to achieving a sustainable resilient economy and increasing the competitiveness of producers in Sistan. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_105355_ae90ced18f77e01433a29325485f3ea4.pdf