Analyzing The Effects Of Industrial Projects On The Achievement Of Sustainable Regional Development: A Case Study Of The Mahawil District

Abstract

Regional development forms the backbone of the overall development of economies and societies across nations, and the industrial sector can never remain an insignificant force behind the development that generates employment and value addition. The study of the effects of industrial projects on regional development acquires special significance across developing nations like Iraq, with the region of Mahawil in the province of Babil being the case study. The problem of the study could be viewed as the lack of a clear vision regarding the role of industrial projects in the achievement of sustainable development at the district level. The study assumes that an integrated approach on the localization of industrial projects based on a correct estimation of natural and human resources could result in the achievement of sustainable development at the regional area. The study used descriptive analytical and quantitative research methods. The study revealed that the Mahawil region enjoys promising natural and human resources. These include its pivotal location, the richness of its land, and the fact that its population keeps growing; however, these resources are underutilized. The industrial sector faces the problem of infrastructure, a lack of qualified personnel, and lack of financing.
The study recommended that there is a need for an integrated development strategy with the localization of industrial projects and proposed development of infrastructure, building the capacity of human resources, development of financing options, development of the regional industrial strategy considering sustainability factors, and development of partnerships between the government and the private sector.