Iran's Economy at a Crossroads: Analyzing Challenges, Proposing Solutions, and the Role of Social Capital in Reform
Abstract
This research undertakes an analysis of the persistent challenges confronting Iran's economy. It proposes evidence-based reform strategies while critically examining the instrumental role of social capital in facilitating successful and sustainable economic transformation. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates document analysis of official reports and scholarly literature with insights gleaned from semi-structured interviews with key economic experts, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders. Media content analysis also gauges public discourse and perception surrounding economic issues. To ensure the study's rigor, the validity of the qualitative data is enhanced through triangulation and peer debriefing. The reliability of the quantitative data is demonstrated by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.82 for the questionnaire and a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.91, indicating acceptable internal consistency and a high degree of content validity. The study's objectives are threefold: First, to identify the most salient economic challenges facing Iran; Second, to assess their impact on key indicators such as growth, employment, and inflation; and Third, to formulate comprehensive policy recommendations to foster economic resilience and inclusive growth. The findings are intended to provide a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and economic actors seeking a deeper understanding of Iran's complex economic landscape. By foregrounding the significance of social capital, participatory governance, and institutional improvements, the research offers actionable strategies for fostering public trust and enhancing accountability.
Keywords:
Economic policy, Dynamic stochastic general equilibrium modeling, Iranian economic challenges, Public participation, Reform solutions, Social capitalReferences
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