Identifying and Categorizing the Pathological Factors of Industrial Development Policy Process in Iran (1991-2018)

Industrial development plays an important role in economic variables such as creating employment, increasing economic growth and reducing poverty. Attention has always been paid to the industry sector in the five-year development plans in Iran. In addition, various organizations are active in the field of industrial development policy making. This study intends to identify and categorize the pathological components of industrial development policy in Iran during the period between 1991 and 2018.

To achieve this goal, the Qualitative Meta-Synthesis Method was used and the research data were collected by applying documentary method, which included 155 scientific articles, 19 books and reports, as well as 3 dissertations. As a result, 75 sources were cited. The statistical sampling method was of purposive judgment type. In this regard, 117 concepts or challenges were identified, and then categorized on the basis of an integrative theoretical policy framework.

Findings include the pathological factors of Iran's industrial development policy-making which fall into four sections: a. ‘the content’, including such categories as long-term goals or visions, strategies, programs, policies and regulatory or monitoring laws and regulations; b. ‘the process’, including such categories as agenda setting, policy formulation, decision making, implementation and evaluation; c. ‘the actors’, including  infra-organizational, organizational and individual categories;  d. ‘environment or context’, including the categories of political values, government’s comprehensive view and framework, political support, managerial-administrative capacity, analytical capacity.

Implications: 

The findings of the present study can provide a good basis for reforming industrial development policy in Iran.