Abstract: (66 Views)
Introduction: Employment is a fundamental pillar of development and welfare in any society, and spatial distribution analysis helps understand its cultural, social, and infrastructural dimensions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to cluster and rank the provinces of Iran based on employment and entrepreneurship components and indicators.
Method: The data for this study were collected from official and reliable sources such as the National Census and Statistical Yearbooks and analyzed using the hierarchical cluster analysis algorithm in SPSS software.
Findings: The results show that Gilan, Kurdistan, Qazvin, and West Azerbaijan provinces have the highest rates of economic participation and private sector employment, while Sistan and Baluchestan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces, with the lowest levels of participation and job-seeking success, are classified among the deprived provinces. Additionally, Tehran, Alborz, and Qom provinces, due to their high population density, have a larger share of employment in the service sector. The cluster analysis categorized the provinces into four main clusters, which can serve as a basis for targeted regional policymaking.
Discussion: Based on the findings, focusing on the development of the private sector, creating industrial and service infrastructure in underprivileged provinces, and strengthening skill training and job-seeking initiatives are recommended. Moreover, improving the economic conditions of southern provinces through access to open waters and the development of a maritime economy is advised. This study provides policymakers with insights into regional disparities, enabling them to design more effective strategies for economic development and entrepreneurship.
Method: The data for this study were collected from official and reliable sources such as the National Census and Statistical Yearbooks and analyzed using the hierarchical cluster analysis algorithm in SPSS software.
Findings: The results show that Gilan, Kurdistan, Qazvin, and West Azerbaijan provinces have the highest rates of economic participation and private sector employment, while Sistan and Baluchestan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces, with the lowest levels of participation and job-seeking success, are classified among the deprived provinces. Additionally, Tehran, Alborz, and Qom provinces, due to their high population density, have a larger share of employment in the service sector. The cluster analysis categorized the provinces into four main clusters, which can serve as a basis for targeted regional policymaking.
Discussion: Based on the findings, focusing on the development of the private sector, creating industrial and service infrastructure in underprivileged provinces, and strengthening skill training and job-seeking initiatives are recommended. Moreover, improving the economic conditions of southern provinces through access to open waters and the development of a maritime economy is advised. This study provides policymakers with insights into regional disparities, enabling them to design more effective strategies for economic development and entrepreneurship.
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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