Document Type : Research-Practical
Authors
1 Department of Tourism Economics, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)
2 Novin Shahr Manavi Saman Research Institute
3 Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)
Abstract
The goal of land-use planning is the wise and balanced distribution of economic activities across a country’s geographical space. One effective approach to achieving this is 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, with data collected through both library sources and expert surveys. A total of 30 industrial specialists provided input for the analysis. Two main analytical dimensions were employed: (1) assessment of backward and forward industrial linkages and comparative advantages from a supply-side perspective, and (2) application of the product space approach from the demand-side perspective.
Industrial activities were classified into seven major groups based on ISIC codes: (1) food and beverage production, (2) fabricated metal products, (3) motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers, (4) machinery and equipment, (5) basic metals, (6) non-metallic mineral products, and (7) rubber and plastic products. At the county level, prioritization was conducted using key indicators such as natural resources, industrial linkages, technical expertise, market access, and infrastructure evaluated through the fuzzy TOPSIS method.
The findings indicate that food industries are concentrated in the central, eastern, and northeastern regions; motor vehicle and basic metal industries are more prominent in the west; and base metal industries are located 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.
Keywords
Main Subjects
Send comment about this article