Socio-Economic Impact of Special Economic Zones in Gujarat

Gujarat is the nursery for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India, and this study examines their contribution to socioeconomic development. It constructs a model to explore and validate variables within SEZs' influence on social and economic development, using single cross-sectional descriptive research design and quantitative techniques. The important factors for socioeconomic development are increase in exports, indirect jobs, logistics, and minimum wages. The final model features economic factors, social factors, indirect economic, and other local factors in descending order of importance. Optimal uses of vacant land include conversion of sector-specific SEZs to multiproduct SEZs and broad banding of SEZs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 422 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

Gujarat, a state in India, holds a significant role in nurturing Special Economic Zones (SEZs). It is noteworthy that Gujarat was the host of the very first Asian EPZ in 1965. This study aims to examine the contribution of Gujarat SEZs to socioeconomic development, specifically addressing three research questions:
1. Are SEZs in Gujarat effective in terms of their development impact on social and economic aspects?
2. What is the impact assessment of Gujarat SEZs using metrics based on direct economic impact, indirect/wider economic impact, and social impact?
3. How can vacant land within SEZs in Gujarat be optimally utilized to fulfill the objectives of the SEZs?
To answer these questions, the study follows a three-phase approach. In the first phase, a research concept model was constructed based on existing literature to explore and validate the variables within the SEZs' influence on social and economic development. The second phase involved a combination of single cross-sectional descriptive research design and empirical research using quantitative techniques such as questionnaires and interviews with various stakeholders. This phase aimed to establish and test the hypothesis.
A multilayer perceptron neuron network was built using various statistical tools and techniques to rank the factors for socioeconomic development and obtain the final model with predictor importance. In the third phase, the important parameters were validated, and a cross-comparison case study was conducted to confirm the findings.
The key findings indicate that the increase in exports, indirect jobs, logistics, and minimum wages are among the extremely important factors contributing to socioeconomic development in Gujarat SEZs. The final model with predictor importance, aimed at understanding the impact of SEZs on socioeconomic development, features economic factors, social factors, indirect economic factors, and other local factors in descending order of importance.
Some optimal uses of vacant land within SEZs in Gujarat include:
1. Developing infrastructure and facilities for businesses and industries.
2. Creating recreational spaces and parks.
3. Implementing sustainable land-use practices, such as urban agriculture and renewable energy projects.
4. Facilitating the establishment of educational institutions and research centers.
5. Promoting tourism and cultural activities.
6. Providing affordable housing for workers and residents.
7. Leveraging the existing transportation infrastructure to enhance connectivity and efficiency.
8. Collaborating with local communities to ensure social and environmental sustainability.
By strategically utilizing vacant land within SEZs, Gujarat can further contribute to the growth and development of the state and the country as a whole.

Weight: 704g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433184376
Edition number: New ed