The Role of Social Sciences in Participatory Policy-Making and Sustainable Development of Blue Economy

Lotfi Jabali, Rozita; Salehi, Sadegh; Bonyad, Leila; Parsamehr, Mehraban

doi:10.30507/jmsp.2026.561709.2868

The Role of Social Sciences in Participatory Policy-Making and Sustainable Development of Blue Economy

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular Article

Authors

rozita lotfi jabali ¹

sadegh salehi ¹

leila bonyad ²

mehraban parsamehr ³

¹ University of Mazandaran

² valiasr university

³ mazandaran university

10.30507/jmsp.2026.561709.2868

Abstract

This study investigates the role of social sciences in designing participatory and sustainable blue economy policies in Iran. Due to environmental pressures, institutional centralization, and social inequalities, the Iranian blue economy requires a multidimensional and adaptive approach. The “Adaptive Dynamics Model of the Blue Economy” provides a theoretical framework linking social sciences with economic, environmental, spatial, and governance dimensions. Using critical theory and analyzing scholarly literature and policy documents, the study proposes a conceptual framework clarifying the contribution of social sciences to participatory and justice-oriented policymaking. The analysis follows three steps: selecting relevant texts, critically reviewing existing frameworks, and reconstructing concepts to localize sustainable blue economy theory in Iran. Findings indicate Iran’s blue economy is mainly shaped by sectoral and technical approaches, with limited coordination across social, institutional, and environmental dimensions. The model conceptualizes the blue economy as an open, multi-level system where institutional learning, social feedback, and local participation play pivotal roles. Results highlight social sciences as a central pillar of participatory, justice-oriented policymaking, emphasizing that policies should be designed and revised based on continuous feedback, local capacities, and social equity.

Keywords

Blue Economy

Participatory Policymaking

Social Sciences

Iran

Subjects