Critical Analysis of the Regional Planning System in East Azerbaijan Province with a Futures Studies Approach"

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz

2 1Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz

10.22034/gp.2025.65829.3362

Abstract

This research aimed to conduct a critical analysis of the regional planning system in East Azerbaijan Province with a future-oriented approach. In terms of its objective, the research is applied, and in terms of its nature and method, it is a combination of quantitative and qualitative models, conducted using the cross-impact analysis and scenario planning methods with the help of the MICMAC and Scenario Wizard software. This research sought to identify key drivers and analyze the interactions of various variables in the regional planning system of the province, and using qualitative data collected through open-ended questionnaires and expert interviews, it conducted structural analysis and future-oriented analysis. In the analysis process, 43 variables were identified as key factors and were examined using the MICMAC software. The results indicate complex interactions and cross-impacts among these factors, with high and significant impacts observed in some cases, especially in direct and indirect effects. The analyses also showed that a number of factors have strong and significant impacts in the system, which can play a pivotal role in strategic planning processes and scenario development. Based on these analyses, key drivers and factors influencing the development of regional planning in East Azerbaijan Province have been identified, which can be effective in policy-making and strategic interventions to improve the regional planning system. In total, eight key drivers were identified for the regional planning approach, and according to the matrix of direct and indirect potential impact and dependence, the variable "non-use and exploitation of local capacities for local, regional, and national development" ranked first in terms of direct and indirect impact and had the greatest share in their failure. These results can serve as a basis for future decision-making in optimizing the regional planning structure.

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