Geography and Urban Research

Aims of the Journal Geography and Urban Research

• Publishing specialized and innovative research in emerging urban fields;

• Analyzing concepts and modern approaches related to competitive cities, city branding, creative cities, knowledge-based cities, experience-oriented cities, and 15-minute cities, and their role in sustainable development and the urban economy;

• Providing practical analytical tools, models, and frameworks for strategic and operational decision-making by urban managers;

• Addressing sustainability, resilience, spatial justice, and mitigation of climate change impacts in cities;

• Supporting interdisciplinary and applied research that integrates geography, economics, sociology, environmental studies, and data science in the analysis of urban issues;

• Promoting future-oriented and strategic research for long-term planning and urban development;

• Developing cities through modern approaches to urban management, including smart, participatory, multilevel, strategic, data-driven, and accountable governance;

• Addressing sustainability, resilience, spatial justice, and mitigation of climate change impacts in cities;

• Promoting innovative interdisciplinary research that integrates geography, economics, sociology, environmental studies, urban design, and data science.

Vision of the Journal Geography and Urban Research

The journal Geography and Urban Research, with the aim of becoming an interdisciplinary, innovative, and specialized scientific reference in urban studies, seeks to publish research that:

• Analyzes emerging and strategic issues of cities in Iran and the world;

• Examines emerging urban concepts such as competitive cities, city branding, creative and knowledge-based cities, sustainable and smart cities, and experience-oriented cities;

• Provides scientific and practical solutions for urban management, planning, and sustainable urban development.

The journal will serve as a reference that simultaneously addresses scientific innovation, practical application, and future-oriented perspectives, and contributes to improving the quality of decision-making, governance, and urban management.

Strengths of the Journal Geography and Urban Research

• Scientific distinction and originality: Focus on emerging concepts and approaches of knowledge-based cities in the era of information and communication technologies;

• Applied and policy-oriented focus: Analysis of real urban challenges and provision of evidence-based, practical, and strategic solutions;

• Interdisciplinary and innovative approach: Integration of various sciences for comprehensive analysis of urban issues;

• Coverage of advanced technologies and data: Application of big data, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and spatial modeling to optimize urban management;

• Focus on resilience, sustainability, and spatial justice: Addressing climate change and sustainable urban development;

• Attention to smart, creative, competitive, experience-oriented, healthy, knowledge-based, and regenerative cities: Providing forward-looking and innovative perspectives for urban development in Iran and the world.

Specialized Thematic Areas of the Journal Geography and Urban Research

A) Competitive Cities and City Branding

• Innovation-based economic development and attraction of investment and skilled workforce;
• Urban identity and branding, attraction of tourists and human capital;
• Analysis of international and local competition among cities.

B) Creative, Experience-Oriented, and Knowledge-Based Cities

• Creative economy, arts, culture, and urban innovation;
• Experience-oriented urban spaces and urban tourism;
• Knowledge-based development and human capital.

C) Sustainable, Healthy, Smart, and Resilient Cities

• Environmental sustainability, green economy, carbon reduction, and resource management;
• Urban resilience to crises, disasters, and climate change;
• Health-oriented urban design and improvement of quality of life;
• Resource management, energy systems, and green infrastructure.

D) Cities with Innovative Urban Governance and Management

• Smart, participatory, and multilevel governance;
• Data-driven, strategic, and flexible management;
• Accountable and responsible governance aligned with the SDGs.

E) Strategic Planning and Futures Studies

• Scenario building and forecasting of urban transformations;
• Development of long-term strategies and management of urban resources;
• Comparative studies of cities in Iran and the world.

F) Innovation in Theory and Methodology

• Advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods;
• Modeling, big data analysis, and spatial analysis;
• Development of applied frameworks and tools for urban decision-making.

G) Applied and Interdisciplinary Issues

• Analysis and resolution of complex and multidimensional challenges of contemporary cities;
• Integration of knowledge from geography, economics, sociology, environmental studies, and data science.