THE EXPERIENCE OF CREATING INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGY PARKS IN THE MIDDLE EAST / ОПЫТ СОЗДАНИЯ ИНДУСТРИАЛЬНЫХ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПАРКОВ БЛИЖНЕГО ВОСТОКА

Abstract

In the current landscape of global economic growth, industrial technology parks emerge as pivotal players, contributing significantly to enhancing economic competitiveness and serving as catalysts for realizing the untapped technological and innovative potential within the economy. The article meticulously examines a series of studies investigating the economic impacts of industrial technology parks on Middle Eastern countries. Throughout these analyses, special attention is given to the exploration of special economic zones (SEZ) and free economic zones (FEZ). On a global scale, Middle Eastern countries have demonstrated a pronounced dedication to the development of industrial parks. Back in the 1970s, recognizing their paramount significance, these nations actively pursued the establishment of substantial industrial complexes, making it a cornerstone of their policies. It's worth noting that the advantages offered by industrial parks exhibit variations even among different countries within the same region. An exploration of the structure of Turkish FEZs concerning trade reveals that industrial and technology parks within FEZs constitute a substantial proportion of the overall trade volume. The UAE has emerged as a pivotal hub for attracting investments through SEZs. In recent years, the UAE has achieved noteworthy success in the inception and progression of SEZs. At present, Iran leverages special economic zones significantly to attract trade and investment, boasting a total investment of USD 53 million, encompassing various aspects such as cash investments, export licenses, and more.