Designing the Institutional Framework of Hybrid Special Economic Zones (HEZ)

One of the challenging issues in today's era is the role of economic resilience of cities and countries against economic shocks in order to make decisions for the functioning of systems in the face of damage for economic growth. Today, in the literature of economic growth, special economic zones have become very important, which have been created in the form of large-scale industrial projects in the field of oil and gas and services in cities, with a long-term view and in close connection with macroeconomic fields. The activities of these areas are often focused on one dimension, which is either on the external dimension and only exports, or on the domestic dimension and the market. If the economic structure of cities should act as an ecosystem that includes a network of economic units related to each other; Because focusing on one dimension and not paying attention to diversity in the mix of industries affects the resilience of the city. Diversity is a critical factor in strengthening the city's capacity in line with national priorities that must be supported. This strengthens the strength of the city in various economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions against future shocks. For this purpose, the approach of hybrid special economic zones is defined, with diversity as its main shape. The purpose of creating these areas is to cluster areas in two dimensions: export-oriented and market-oriented. It is very important to pay attention to the policy loop of the hybrid special economic zone in the form of designing an effective institutional framework in two dimensions: sustainability-oriented and growth-oriented, which improves the resilience of cities. Iran's largest oil-related industries are located in Bushehr province under the name of "South Pars" which plays an important role in Iran's macro-economy. The export-oriented economy of this province is focused on oil and gas industries, in addition to its exports to foreign countries such as China, United Arab Emirates, India, France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Norway, Russia, and Indonesia. Bushehr's economy is sensitive to foreign fluctuations and any changes in the demand of these countries, as well as the internal policies of the country and the province. This attitude, considering the country's special situation in the conditions of the tightening of sanctions and even the completion of oil development phases, can also negatively affect the city. Therefore, this research investigates the concepts of special hybrid economic zones and calculates its dimensions and components. Finally, an effective institutional framework for the internalization of the economy is presented along with the pursuit of the externalization approach, and the necessity of the country's focus on the components of resilience for economic growth is proven.