Introduction

摘要

This issue brings together five papers on different aspects of the Iranian economy. These papers were presented at conferences on the Iranian Economy over the period 2008-2010 and were selected for publication after a rigorous review process. Despite the importance of the Iranian economy in the Middle East and its significance for the geopolitics of the region, until recently careful and rigorous economics research on Iran has been rare. Following the Revolution of 1979, researchers faced serious data and funding limitations for carrying out in-depth studies. Moreover, many well-trained economists left the country and the training of a new generation of economists inside or outside Iran came to a virtual halt. These trends have reversed in recent years and possibilities for economics training and research have improved. This process has culminated in the formation a new academic network, the International Iranian Economic Association (IIEA), which strives to enhance the conditions for research on Iran's economy.