Volume 25, Issue 98 (10-2025)
refahj 2025, 25(98): 37-66 |
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Masoudi H, Ghorbani A. (2025). Ranking of Iran's Provinces Based on Macro Employment and Entrepreneurship Indicators: A Cluster Analysis. refahj. 25(98), : 2 doi:10.32598/refahj.25.98.4635.1
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4424-en.html
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4424-en.html
Abstract: (690 Views)
Introduction: Employment and entrepreneurship are critical drivers of economic development and societal well-being. Analyzing their spatial distribution provides insights into regional disparities in cultural, social, and infrastructural factors. This study aims to rank and cluster Iran’s provinces based on macro-level employment and entrepreneurship indicators to inform evidence-based regional policymaking.
Method: Data were collected from national statistical databases, including the National Census and Statistical Yearbooks, covering key employment and entrepreneurship indicators. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to group provinces based on economic participation, private sector employment, and service sector dominance.
Findings: The analysis reveals significant regional variations. Gilan, Kurdistan, Qazvin, and West Azerbaijan exhibit high economic participation and private sector employment, while Sistan and Baluchestan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad show low participation and employment outcomes, indicating economic disadvantage. Tehran, Alborz, and Qom, with high population density, lead in service sector employment. The provinces were categorized into four distinct clusters, highlighting diverse regional economic profiles.
Discussion: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including private sector development and enhanced industrial and service infrastructure in less-developed provinces. Strengthening vocational training programs and leveraging maritime economic opportunities in southern provinces could address regional disparities. This study provides policymakers with a robust framework to design equitable strategies for fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Method: Data were collected from national statistical databases, including the National Census and Statistical Yearbooks, covering key employment and entrepreneurship indicators. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to group provinces based on economic participation, private sector employment, and service sector dominance.
Findings: The analysis reveals significant regional variations. Gilan, Kurdistan, Qazvin, and West Azerbaijan exhibit high economic participation and private sector employment, while Sistan and Baluchestan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad show low participation and employment outcomes, indicating economic disadvantage. Tehran, Alborz, and Qom, with high population density, lead in service sector employment. The provinces were categorized into four distinct clusters, highlighting diverse regional economic profiles.
Discussion: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including private sector development and enhanced industrial and service infrastructure in less-developed provinces. Strengthening vocational training programs and leveraging maritime economic opportunities in southern provinces could address regional disparities. This study provides policymakers with a robust framework to design equitable strategies for fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Article number: 2
Keywords: Cluster analysis, employment, entrepreneurship, economic participation, regional policy-making
Type of Study: orginal |
Received: 2025/01/3 | Accepted: 2025/09/2 | Published: 2025/10/4
Received: 2025/01/3 | Accepted: 2025/09/2 | Published: 2025/10/4
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Social Welfare Quarterly
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