University of Tabriz Journal of Geography and Planning 2008-8078 Articles in Press 2026 04 09 Analyzing Trends and Knowledge Networks in Multilevel Urban Governance Research (2001–2025) Analyzing Trends and Knowledge Networks in Multilevel Urban Governance Research (2001–2025) 21377 10.22034/gp.2026.70398.3482 FA Majid Jamshidian Department of Geography,Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Ahmad Khademolhoseiny Department of Geography,Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Amir Gandomkar Department of Geography,Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Hamid Saberi Department of Geography,Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Journal Article 2025 11 25 The present study systematically analyzes the conceptual structure, maps research trends, and identifies knowledge gaps in the literature on multi-level governance within urban planning and management. Using a descriptive-analytical bibliometric approach, 1,662 articles indexed in the Web of Science between 2001 - 2025 were retrieved, screened, and organized in Excel. Network analysis via VOSviewer produced three bibliometric visualizations: keyword co-occurrence, conceptual density, and temporal overlay maps. Results show a marked increase in scholarly output from around 2010, with a peak of 130 publications in 2021. Network analysis revealed eight thematic clusters: (1) core mechanisms and institutions of multi-level governance; (2) urban resilience and institutional collaboration; (3) sustainable development and the urban economy; (4) network structures and public participation; (5) climate change and urban agriculture; (6) tourism and local communities; (7) local authorities and organizations; and (8) managerial communication and spatial planning. Temporal patterns indicate a shift from institutional-structural topics toward interdisciplinary, technology-driven, and environmentally oriented approaches. The study confirms the maturity and thematic diversity of the field and recommends that future research prioritize comparative analyses, quantitative network metrics, and stronger integration of bibliometric techniques with field-based investigations. The present study systematically analyzes the conceptual structure, maps research trends, and identifies knowledge gaps in the literature on multi-level governance within urban planning and management. Using a descriptive-analytical bibliometric approach, 1,662 articles indexed in the Web of Science between 2001 - 2025 were retrieved, screened, and organized in Excel. Network analysis via VOSviewer produced three bibliometric visualizations: keyword co-occurrence, conceptual density, and temporal overlay maps. Results show a marked increase in scholarly output from around 2010, with a peak of 130 publications in 2021. Network analysis revealed eight thematic clusters: (1) core mechanisms and institutions of multi-level governance; (2) urban resilience and institutional collaboration; (3) sustainable development and the urban economy; (4) network structures and public participation; (5) climate change and urban agriculture; (6) tourism and local communities; (7) local authorities and organizations; and (8) managerial communication and spatial planning. Temporal patterns indicate a shift from institutional-structural topics toward interdisciplinary, technology-driven, and environmentally oriented approaches. The study confirms the maturity and thematic diversity of the field and recommends that future research prioritize comparative analyses, quantitative network metrics, and stronger integration of bibliometric techniques with field-based investigations.