Document Type : Research-Practical
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Sustainable Development, Academic center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran
2
Researcher, Department of Tourism Economics, Tourism Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, Iran
3
Associate Professor, Department of Tourism Economics, Tourism Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, Iran
4
Researcher, Department of Tourism Economics, Tourism Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract
The goal of land-use planning is the calculated and balanced distribution of economic activities across a country’s geographical space. A key approach to achieve this goal is the regional specialization, which allocates economic activities based on local competencies and comparative advantages within the framework of national macro-development policies. This strategy plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development, enhancing regional productivity, and preventing the overconcentration of activities in specific areas. This study, using an applied and development-oriented approach, aims to identify and prioritize industrial specializations in Khorasan Razavi Province and its counties. The research follows a descriptive-analytical methodology, and data were collected from both library sources and expert surveys. A total of 30 industrial specialists provided input for the analysis. Two main analytical dimensions were employed: (1) the assessment of backward and forward industrial linkages and comparative advantages from a supply-side perspective, and (2) the application of the product space approach from the demand-side perspective. Industrial activities were classified into seven major groups based on ISIC codes: food and beverage production, fabricated metal products, motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers, machinery and equipment, basic metals, non-metallic mineral products, and rubber and plastic products. At the county level, prioritization was conducted using key indicators such as natural resources, industrial linkages, technical knowledge, market access, and infrastructure and support services. Using the fuzzy TOPSIS method, the prioritized domains were identified. The findings suggest that food industries, particularly dairy and non-dairy, are concentrated in the central, eastern, and northeastern regions. Motor vehicle and base metal industries are prominently located in the west, and base metal industries are positioned in the south. In contrast, rubber and plastic industries are more spatially dispersed. Finally, policy recommendations are offered to support balanced industrial development and reduce regional disparities.
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