A performance evaluation model for Iran's special economic zones through export marketing

Abstract

This paper aimed to evaluate the performance of Iran's special economic export zones by considering export performance improvement criteria of companies operating in these zones. The panel data envelopment analysis was employed for performance evaluation from 2005 to 2016. The Delphi method and snowball sampling were utilised to obtain evaluation criteria from the participation of 77 experts and directors of special zones in three steps. The research questionnaires were filled out by 212 representatives of companies based in special economic zones to survey qualitative evaluation criteria such as zone brand image and zone corporate marketing knowledge.