An analysis of future strategies influencing the development of industrial cities in Iran (Case Study: Bandar Mahshahr City)

Document Type : Original Research Articles

Authors

1 Candidate of Geography and urban planning, Mahshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mahshahr, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Mahshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mahshahr, Iran.

Abstract

In the era of rapid global transformations, industrial cities play a key role in achieving economic growth and spatial development. However, environmental, social, and technological complexities have highlighted the necessity of revising traditional approaches to the development of these cities. Future-oriented strategies serve as an efficient tool, enabling the identification of key drivers and the design of sustainable scenarios for the development of industrial cities. Therefore, the present study sought to provide positive solutions for managers and officials regarding the urban development of Bandar Mahshahr. This was done using a new strategic mindset and an inside-out perspective to identify internal resources and capabilities, macro-environmental factors, and positive attributes, in addition to evaluating current functions. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of data collection, utilizing questionnaires as the data gathering tool. The Meta-SWOT model and PESTEL analysis were used for data analysis. The research findings indicate that Bandar Mahshahr City's urban development resources and capabilities possess strategic value and play distinct roles in advancing long-term objectives. The key factors include the Petrochemical Special Economic Zone, strategic access to the Persian Gulf, physical development capacity, commercial jetties, and oil and gas resources. The city's development is subject to macro-environmental variables beyond the control of urban management, such as economic fluctuations, climate change, sanctions, and geopolitical threats. This situation necessitates flexible, resilient, and multidimensional strategies to maintain the dynamism of urban development.

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References

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Geography and Regional Future Studies
Volume 3, Issue 3 - Serial Number 11
Autumn
December 2025
Pages 62-79

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