A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis and Providing a Model for Evaluating and Improving the Performance of Free Trade Zones

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

The success of free zones depends on the regular and continuous evaluation of the components and coordination of these elements. The present study aims to identify the components and elements of free zones and provide a framework for evaluating and improving the performance of the zones. The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on library documents. The required data was extracted from the Scopus citation database as well as reports of international organizations in the period 2000-2025. Word co-occurrence analysis was performed to identify the main clusters and components of free zones and to present the graphical results of bibliometric data with VOS viewer software. By systematically reviewing the literature, the components of free zones were identified in the form of three legal elements, incentives and infrastructure and a research model was presented. The interaction between these components is very important for the success of free zones and the integration and balance between all components must be ensured. This article describes a framework and structure that is presented to provide practical support and strengthen the theoretical understanding of policymakers and free zone management. Also, by identifying and introducing the components of a free zone, it enables feasibility assessments of zones in the country, as well as regular evaluations and improvement of the performance of the zones

Keywords

References

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Journal of International Businesses Administration
Volume 8, Issue 3
December 2025
Pages 169-190

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 28 June 2025

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