Conceptualization and scientific mapping of the future grand image in futures studies

Document Type : Original Research Articles

Authors

1 PhD in Future Studies, Hazrat ValiAsr Faculty and Research Institute, Imam Hussein University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor and Director of the Futures Studies Group, Hazrat ValiAsr Faculty and Research Institute, Imam Hussein University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor of Sociology, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

In this study, while systematically reviewing the futures literature and conceptually analyzing “future images” and “future grand images,” a set of synonymous and related terms was first identified, and the theoretical framework of grand images was defined, emphasizing components such as the multiplicity of the future, the flexibility of the image, and the role of collective memory. In fact, in the first part of the study, by reviewing all definitions and theoretical approaches in the field of future images and grand images, it became clear that the main difference between the two lies in the level of analysis and their temporal and spatial scope: While “future images” focus on a specific area or topic in the medium term, “future grand images” focus on interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral interactions, cover a very long-term period and a transnational scale, and have attempted to consider all economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technological dimensions in an integrated framework. In the next step, using a combined qualitative-quantitative approach, about 200 selected articles from the Web of Science database (1950-2025) were reviewed and in the qualitative section, conceptual dimensions were extracted using the content analysis method; then, the bibliographic data of the articles, including authors, keywords, and references, were post-processed, and co-citation maps and thematic clusters were drawn using VOSviewer software. The findings of the scientometric section were that the publication of articles in the field of "future images" has increased exponentially after 2000, and the focal points of research are in developed countries; topics such as educational futures studies, public policy, technological innovation, and social psychology have received more attention than other fields. On the other hand, the citation network maps indicated that concepts such as "future multiplicity," "scenario-making," and "sustainability" have become hubs in the scientific structure of this field.

Keywords

References

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Geography and Regional Future Studies
Volume 3, Issue 3 - Serial Number 11
Autumn
December 2025
Pages 114-136

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