Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Aim: By creating jobs, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable practices, solar energy not only addresses environmental challenges but also fosters strong economic development. Studying the effects of solar energy on employment and economic growth is not only essential for a better understanding of the economic and social impacts of this energy source, but can also contribute to sustainable development and the creation of sustainable job opportunities in the future. Given the environmental challenges and the need for clean energy sources, these studies become even more important. Given the importance of solar energy and its role and place in growth and employment in Iraq and Iraq’s high potential in this field, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of using solar energy on employment and economic growth in Iraq.
Methods and Material: In this research, a time series approach based on the autodistribution model with wide lags (ARDL) was used to examine the effects of solar energy use on employment and economic growth in Iraq during the period 1995-2022.
Results and Discussion: The findings of this study showed that solar energy had a positive effect on economic growth at a 95% confidence level. The effects of solar energy on employment were also positive and statistically significant at a 90% confidence level. According to the findings, the error correction term coefficient in this model was -0.489 and was statistically significant, indicating that if a shock is introduced to the economic growth rate in Iraq, 0.489 percent of the imbalance in the economic growth rate will be adjusted during each period and will approach its long-term trend. Also, the error correction coefficient in this model is -0.365 and is statistically significant, indicating that if a shock occurs to the employment rate in Iraq, 0.365 percent of the imbalance in the employment rate will be adjusted during each period and will approach its long-term trend. According to the results obtained, Iraq can invest in solar energy to improve economic growth and employment while preserving the environment.

Abstract Background and Objective: Oil revenues significantly affect fiscal policies, public spending, and budget management in Iraq. Studying these impacts helps policymakers assess the effectiveness of revenue management strategies such as oil revenue allocation, budget planning, and the establishment of stabilization funds. In addition, the impact of geopolitical risk on economic growth, which has been dominant in most oil-exporting countries, has become a necessity, and its results can have very important policy implications for policymakers and decision-makers at the macro level. Therefore, Iraq’s dependence on oil revenues makes understanding the effects of oil revenues on economic growth of great importance for assessing the sustainability of the Iraqi economy. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of oil revenues on Iraq’s economic growth by considering geopolitical risk. The results of the study will help identify the extent to which Iraq's economic growth is dependent on oil revenues and the possible risks associated with such dependence, along with existing risks.
Methodology: This study is of an applied type based on its objectives. Data and information in the background section were collected with a library approach, and the data and statistics required to estimate the empirical model were collected from the Central Bank of Iraq and the World Bank websites in a time series format, and the analysis of the research model was also carried out using the self-explanatory model with extended lags (ARDL). The country's macroeconomic variables in the period 1995 to 2022 are the data used in this study.
Findings and Conclusion:Based on the results of the model estimation, oil revenues have a positive and significant effect on economic growth in the short and long term, and the effect of geopolitical risk and the interactive effect of geopolitical risk on oil revenues are negative and significant in the long term on economic growth. The results also show a positive and significant impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth. Oil revenues as a major source of income can lead to an increase in the government budget, domestic and foreign investment in infrastructure, improvement of public services and creation of job opportunities in various economic sectors. However, political tensions and instability and geopolitical risk can reduce investment, reduce production and consequently reduce economic growth. Therefore, the government should adopt policies that reduce negative factors and increase factors that enhance economic growth.

Abstract Background and Objective: Human capital in the economic structure is considered a vital resource for production and value creation in the economic system. Human capital plays an important role in economic growth and development through various mechanisms. Human capital is formed in the form of knowledge, skills, expertise, and capabilities in individuals to increase income, quality of services, and production volume, and society and organizations can use it to advance their goals. Understanding human capital can help identify skill gaps and educational needs necessary for rebuilding and revitalizing the economy. Therefore, studying the impact of human capital on the economic development of Iraq after years of internal conflict is vital. The aim of this research is to study the impact of human capital on the economic development of Iraq during the period 1990-2023.
Methodology: The present study analyzes and examines the short-term and long-term effects of the impact of human capital on the economic development of Iraq during the period 1990-2023 in the form of econometric models and methods. For this purpose, the asymmetric distribution lag autoregressive model (NARDL) is used. This model is an extended form of the distribution lag autoregressive model ARDL.
Findings and Conclusion: Human capital has had a negative and significant short-term effect on GDP. In such a way that a one percent increase in human capital has caused a 0.593percent decrease in GDP. The variables of government spending and financial development have also had a positive and significant short-term effect on GDP. Labor and unemployment have had a negative and significant negative effect on GDP. In the long-term period, human capital has had a positive and significant long-term effect on GDP. In such a way that a one percent increase in human capital has caused a0.176 percent increase in GDP. Also, the variables of government spending and financial development have had a positive and significant long-term effect on GDP. Labor and unemployment have had a negative and significant negative effect on GDP. Investing in education, strengthening technical and vocational education to match labor market needs and the skills of educated individuals, and improving the capacity and quality of teachers through continuous training and provision of up-to-date resources will pave the way for increased economic development in Iraq.

Abstract Background and Objective: Natural resource rents can act as a dual factor; on the one hand, they provide financing for green projects, and on the other hand, they may lead to dependence on polluting industries and reduce incentives to invest in sustainable technologies. Geopolitical risk in resource-rich countries, especially in unstable regions, can lead to uncertainty in investments and a decrease in the willingness to develop green economic projects, which contributes to the weakening of sustainable growth. Uncertainty in economic policies, especially in the field of environmental regulations and taxation, can lead to reduced investor confidence and delays in the implementation of green initiatives, thus affecting sustainable economic growth.
Methodology: This study examines the effects of natural resource rents, geopolitical risk, and economic uncertainties, and other control variables such as financial development, foreign trade, foreign direct investment, and fixed capital formation on green economic growth in Iraq using an auto-explanatory model with wide lags (ARDL) and seasonal data over the period 1995-2022.
Results and Findings: The results of the model estimation show that natural resource rents, geopolitical risk, and economic policy uncertainty have a negative and significant effect on green economic growth in this have coutry. Also, financial development, foreign trade, foreign direct investment, and fixed capital formation have a positive and significant effect on green economic growth in Iraq country.

Abstract Abstract
Background and Objective: Economic growth and development over the past two decades in developing countries have clearly demonstrated the many effects of financial market cycles on economic activities in these countries. Instability and change in financial markets shape financial cycles, which in turn disrupt economic activities and reduce the economic growth of countries. Therefore, given the importance of the effects of financial cycles on economic growth, the aim of this study is to analyze and investigate the effects of asymmetric financial cycles on economic growth in Iraq.
Methodology: The present study analyzes and investigates the short-term and long-term effects of asymmetric financial cycles on economic growth in Iraq during the period 1990-2023 in the form of econometric models and methods. For this purpose, the autoregressive model with asymmetric distribution lag (NARDL) is used. This model is an extended form of the autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) model.
Results: The results showed that in the long run, positive financial cycles have a positive and significant effect and negative financial cycles have a negative and significant effect on Iraq's economic growth. Also, foreign trade, exchange rate, active labor force, physical capital and foreign direct investment have a positive and significant effect, and oil revenues have a negative and significant effect on Iraq's economic growth. The explanatory and control variables (asymmetric financial cycles, foreign trade, exchange rate, physical capital, active labor force, foreign direct investment and oil revenues) also explain and show 75 percent of the changes in the target variable (Iraqi economic growth).
Conclusion: Given that financial cycles and foreign trade have the greatest impact on economic growth in the short and long run, therefore, monitoring credit expansion through macroprudential policies is essential to maintain financial stability in this country. Also, the Iraqi government can lead to increased economic growth by gradually creating conditions and establishing appropriate and necessary laws and regulations to expand commercial freedom and increase trade.

Abstract Background and Objective: Given the increasing importance of environmental issues and the challenges facing countries in achieving sustainable development, a better understanding of the relationship between democratic governance, the use of renewable energy, and trade policies is an inevitable necessity. On the other hand, identifying how these factors affect environmental indicators can help policymakers design optimal strategies to reduce environmental degradation and enhance sustainability. Foreign trade can play a dual role in environmental improvement or degradation. On the one hand, international trade can improve environmental quality through the transfer of clean technologies and environmental innovations; but on the other hand, in the absence of appropriate regulations, it may lead to increased pressure on natural resources and further pollution. Therefore, a simultaneous and integrated examination of these three factors can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationships between economic, environmental, and governance policies. Given the importance of the subject, this study attempts to analyze the relationship between these factors and their effects on Iraq's environmental indicators.
Research Method: In this study, Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) was used to examine the impact of democracy, green energy, and foreign trade on environmental progress in Iraq from 2006 to 2022. These methods provide the ability to examine the long-term and short-term effects of variables and allow for the analysis of the complex relationships between democracy, green energy, foreign trade, and environmental progress.
Findings and Conclusions: The results show that increased carbon emissions are associated with democracy in Iraq, especially in a situation where economic and political pressures to accelerate economic growth increase energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Also, renewable energies (green energies), although they may have an incremental effect on carbon emissions in the short term, can help reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental quality in the long term. On the other hand, foreign trade has had negative effects on the environment due to Iraq's dependence on fossil energy resources, so Iraq needs green and sustainable trade policies. Also, in this study, the error correction coefficient is -0.3807. This coefficient shows that about 38.07 percent of the short-term imbalance is adjusted in each period and the system moves towards long-term equilibrium

Abstract Background and Objective: Investigating the factors affecting the unemployment rate as one of the most important macroeconomic indicators has been one of the topics studied by many researchers, scholars, and policymakers. The existence of a stable and balanced relationship between inflation and unemployment is very important and fundamental for maintaining international competitiveness in the economy. Uncontrolled inflation can greatly reduce the country's competitiveness by increasing production costs, reducing export competitiveness, and attracting less foreign investment. . Given the importance of the issue, the main objective of this study is to investigate the asymmetric effects of inflation on the unemployment rate in Iraq.
Methodology: In this study, the quantile regression method was used to investigate the asymmetric effects of inflation on the unemployment rate in Iraq during the period 1995 to 2023.
Findings and Conclusion: The results show that the inflation rate had a positive and significant effect on the unemployment rate, and these effects were strengthened in the high quantiles of the unemployment rate. Also, according to the results, the effects of inflation on the unemployment rate in Iraq were symmetric. According to these results, it can be concluded that the Phillips curve, which indicates an inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment rate, is not confirmed in Iraq. Therefore, to improve the unemployment rate, supply-side policies should be used and demand-side policies should be avoided.

Abstract Background and Objective: In recent years, with increasing energy costs, global warming, and the need for greater attention to the environment, attention to investment in renewable energies such as wind energy has increased sharply. Wind energy is a significant opportunity for economic growth. Investment in wind energy infrastructure can improve employment, attract investment, and stimulate economic activities in areas where wind resources are abundant. Consequently, studying the impact of wind energy on economic growth is essential to unlock the full potential of renewable energy resources, drive sustainable development, and foster a greener and more resilient economy for future generations. Given the importance and position of renewable energies such as wind energy in recent years and their major advantages over fossil fuels, and the current gap in studies of this kind in Iraq, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of investment in wind energy on economic growth in Iraq.
Methodology: In this research, Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) was used to examine the effect of investment in wind energy on the sustainability of economic growth in Iraq from 1995 to 2022. These methods provide the ability to examine the long-term and short-term effects of variables and allow for the analysis of the effect of investment in wind energy and other variables under study on economic growth.
Findings and Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that investment in wind energy had a positive and significant effect on economic growth in Iraq at a 90% confidence level. Also, other variables under study, including the human development index, foreign trade, and fixed capital formation, have a positive and significant effect on the sustainability of economic growth in Iraq. The error correction coefficient was -0.465 and was statistically significant, indicating that if a shock is introduced to the economic growth rate during each period, 0.465 percent of the imbalance in the economic growth rate will be adjusted and it will approach its long-term trend. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the priority of energy policies should be to increase investment in renewable energies, including wind energy.

Abstract Background and Aim: According to economic literature, excessive inflation (more than the sustainable level of inflation) destroys purchasing power, distorts economic decision-making, and leads to uncertainty in economic factors, while deflation (less than the sustainable level of inflation) can lead to a decrease in spending (consumption) and investment, and potentially stop economic growth. The aim of this research is to use the results obtained from examining the factors affecting the inflation rate in order to increase the efficiency of monetary policy and control inflation.
Methodology: In this study, time series econometric techniques (unit root and stationary concepts, variability models, and autoregression with distributed lags (ARDL) model) have been used. First, the stationary variables are examined by performing classical and nonlinear unit root tests with respect to structural failure. Next, the long-term relationship between the research variables is examined by the bounds test, and then long-term and short-term elasticities are extracted. Exchange rate fluctuations are also extracted by conditional heteroskedasticity models (GARCH) and then these variables will be entered as new explanatory variables in the autoregression with distributed lags (ARDL) model.
Findings and Conclusion: According to the results obtained, the two variables, the exchange rate volatility index and the degree of trade openness, are the most important determinants of the inflation rate in Iraq in the long run. Meanwhile, in the short run, the exchange rate volatility index does not affect the inflation rate. Exchange rate fluctuations can affect trade and investment between affect the international economy, because uncertainty in the exchange rate can stop foreign investment and affect export competitiveness, and also increase import inflation. The increase in the degree of trade openness causes global commodity inflation to quickly affect the Iraqi economy and increase the consumption costs of Iraqi citizens. Also, according to the results, the error correction coefficient is negative and equal to -0/36 Therefore, in each year, 0/36 of the imbalance in the inflation rate in one period is adjusted in the next period. It can be said that the adjustment towards equilibrium is carried out slowly, which depends on the macroeconomic environment of Iraq.

Abstract Background and Aim: Energy and technology, as two main factors of production, play a prominent role in improving and sustaining the economic growth of countries. Today, a larger part of economic growth is attributed to the efficient use of energy and technology than in the past. Awareness of the impact of technology and energy on economic growth can lead policymakers to pursue more optimal strategies to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development, and in the long term, economic prosperity will affect the well-being of society. Given the importance of the research and the necessity of the present study, the aim of this study is to examine the impact of energy and technology consumption on the economic growth of Iraq.
Methodology: In the present study, the auto-explanatory model with extended lags (ARDL) was used to examine the impact of energy and technology consumption on the economic growth of Iraq during the period 2000 to 2022.
Findings and Conclusion: The results of this study show that the coefficient of the impact of energy consumption on economic growth in Iraq was 0.073 and the estimated T-statistic was 2.16. Given that the absolute value of the t-statistic was greater than the critical value at the 95% confidence level (1.96), it can be stated that energy consumption had a positive and significant effect on economic growth. Another result showed that the coefficient of influence of the technology index on economic growth in Iraq was 0.129 and the estimated T-statistic was 3.34. Given that the absolute value of the t-statistic was greater than the critical value at the 95% confidence level (1.96), it can be stated that the technology index had a positive and significant effect on economic growth. Also, the error correction coefficient was -0.576, which was statistically significant, indicating that if a shock were to occur to the economic growth rate in Iraq, 0.576 percent of the imbalance in the economic growth rate would be adjusted during each period and would approach its long-term trend.