Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Ida Mirzaie

Author

Ida Mirzaie
Senior Lecturer, Ohio State University

Ida Mirzaie received her Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She joined the Ohio State University in 2000 where she is a senior lecturer in the department of Economics. She has held assistant professor positions at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio and DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, teaching undergraduate and MBA level courses. Dr. Mirzaie is a research fellow at the Economic Research Forum for Arab countries, Turkey and Iran. Dr. Mirzaie’s research topics include investigating the effects of the dollar fluctuations on the U.S. economy, determinants of consumer confidence and debt stress in the U.S., and the effects of government economic policies in Middle East. Dr. Mirzaie serves as a faculty advisor for United Nation Association-Columbus chapter in their joint internship program with International Studies department in addition to advising two student organizations at the OSU, United Nation Association of Columbus Student Alliance, and STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition. She is an ERF Research Fellows.

Content by this Author

Iran: the nuclear deal, currency depreciation and inflation

Iran’s currency has once again fallen against the dollar following the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal. This column explores the inflationary impact of speculative attacks on the rial, as well as the policy responses from the government and the central bank. Such episodes – and subsequent overshooting – have proven to be highly disruptive to the country, with lasting adverse social and economic effects.

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A Macroeconomic Accounting of Unemployment in Jordan:  Unemployment is mainly an issue for adults and men

Since unemployment rates in Jordan are higher among young people and women than other groups, unemployment is commonly characterised as a youth and gender issue. However, the majority of the country’s unemployed are adults and men. This suggests that unemployment is primarily a macroeconomic issue challenge for the entire labour market. The appropriate response therefore is coordinated fiscal, monetary, structural and institutional policies, while more targeted measures can still benefit specific groups.

Tunisia’s energy transition: the key role of small businesses

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in Tunisia’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. As this column explains, they are also essential for advancing the country’s ambitions to make a successful transition from reliance on fossil fuels to more widespread use of renewable energy sources. A fair distribution of the transition’s benefits across all regions and communities will secure a future where MSMEs thrive as leaders in a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Tunisia.

The hidden potential of Jordan’s small firms for driving a green transition

For Jordan, a green transition represents an enormous transformative opportunity. But a decade-long increase in the use of renewable energy has not freed the country of its economic woes. This column explores the currently underused yet potentially powerful force of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises – and proposes policies that could improve the investment climate and clear legislative and regulatory barriers.

Global value chains and sustainable development

What is the role of exchange rate undervaluation in promoting participation in global value chains by firms in developing countries? What is the impact of the stringency of national environmental regulations on firms’ GVC participation? And how do firms’ political connections affect their participation in GVCs? These questions will be explored for the MENA region at a special session of the ERF annual conference, which takes place in Cairo in April 2025.




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