Social Business Journal

Social Business Journal

Application of Modern Technologies in the Formation of Hydro-Social Banking in Order to Create and Implement Local Water Markets (Case Study: Central Plateau of Iran Watershed)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ramtin Tavosirad
Sadaf Piri
Mohammad Ansari ghojghar
Department of Reclamation of arid and mountainous regions Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
10.22059/jsbu.2026.400791.1058
Abstract
Objective: Increasing pressure on water resources and the limitations of conventional water management structures have highlighted the need for innovative and participatory approaches to water governance. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of establishing water markets centered on Social Water Banking (SWB) in Iran’s Central Plateau. It specifically examines the potential role of Social Water Banking in improving transparency, promoting social equity, fostering trust among stakeholders, and facilitating participatory and multi-level water governance. In addition, the study explores the potential of emerging technologies, particularly augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), as supporting tools for enhancing information exchange, scenario visualization, and stakeholder participation in water market development.
Method: A quantitative survey was conducted among 500 water-sector stakeholders and specialists in Iran’s Central Plateau. The questionnaire assessed the institutional, social, economic, and environmental prerequisites of water markets, as well as the role of Social Water Banking and AR/VR technologies in supporting participatory governance and transparent market operations.
Results: The results showed a generally positive perception of water markets regarding water conservation, productivity, and environmental sustainability. However, legal, institutional, and social barriers, particularly concerns about transparency and equitable water allocation, remained significant. Social Water Banking was identified as a potential intermediary for improving transparency, building stakeholder trust, reducing governance gaps, and supporting fair and efficient water transactions. AR/VR technologies were also found to have potential for information visualization, scenario development, and participatory decision-making.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that successful water markets require integration of economic mechanisms with social, institutional, and legal arrangements. Social Water Banking, combined with AR/VR technologies, can provide a participatory and transparent framework for developing more equitable and sustainable water markets in Iran’s Central Plateau.
Keywords
Augmented Reality
Digital Marketing
Governance
Social Water Banking
Stakeholder Participation
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Social Business Journal
Volume 3, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 105-123