Document Type : ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Authors

• parviz Mohamadzadeh ¹
• parviz mohamadzadeh ²
• ebrahim javidi ³
• mohamad bager beheshti ⁴

¹ Tabriz University professor

² Professor of Economics, Department of Economic Development and Planning, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz,

³ Ebrahim Javidi PhD student in Institutional Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz

⁴ Professor of Economics, Department of Economic Development and Planning, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to design a policy framework for identifying the fundamental causes behind the absence of large international economic organizations in Iran, with a focus on the institutional structure of production. This qualitative study employs the grounded theory approach based on Strauss and Corbin’s methodology. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with experts and documentary analysis during 2023–2024. The analytical process consisted of three stages—open coding, axial coding, and selective coding—which ultimately resulted in the extraction of 25 axial codes from 599 initial ones. The validity and reliability of findings were evaluated and confirmed using a test–retest reliability index.
The results led to the development of a paradigmatic model in which the core phenomenon is the failure to form large scale international economic organizations in Iran. The underlying causes of this phenomenon include weak institutional development capacity, macroeconomic and policy instability, inappropriate government intervention in the economy, and sanctions. These factors operate within a context characterized by an oil dependent economy, an anti production culture, and low social capital.
Additional challenges—such as managerial inefficiency, resource and infrastructure limitations, rent seeking, and capital flight—hinder the implementation of effective strategies. Moreover, institutional and legal deficiencies, the underdevelopment of the private sector, and inactive economic diplomacy reinforce this condition. The short and long term consequences include small firm scales, weakened competitiveness, increased state dependency, and persistent innovation stagnation.

Keywords

• Iran’s economy
• Institutional structure of production
• scale of economic organization
• grounded theory

Main Subjects

• Industry