This inaugural essay marks the launch of the Journal of Trade and Industrial Policies (JTIP), positioning it as a scholarly bridge between Iran’s industrial experiences and the global academic community. Drawing on four and a half decades of research at the Institute for Trade Studies and Research, this journal seeks to foster dialogue on critical development challenges. The article addresses the urgent intersection of geopolitical conflict and the necessity for industrial policy reform in the Middle East. It examines the current crisis as a multi-layered supply shock, exacerbated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has unevenly impacted regional economies based on their structural vulnerabilities and trade dependencies.
The essay argues that amidst such turbulence, “industrial policy” must transcend state-led, rent-based models. Instead, it advocates for a “Resilient Economy” paradigm, centered on internalizing value chains, fostering knowledge-based capabilities, and diversifying production. The author contends that peace and geopolitical stability are prerequisites for successful industrial transformation. Ultimately, this journal aims to provide a platform for rigorous analysis of these dynamics, offering insights into how structural resilience can be achieved to navigate the complex economic architecture of the modern Middle East.