The Realized Dimensions of the Mental Image Regarding Economic Development: A Field Study of the Audience in Wasit Province

Abstract

The research aims to outline a vision for official government entities responsible for economic projects in the province to achieve sustainable development goals. This is achieved by understanding the public perception of these developmental projects. The mental image held by the community towards economic development projects in Wasit province is considered crucial due to social and cultural factors, including traditions and customs that impact project execution, interaction, and effective participation. These issues arise from a lack of awareness or transparency in these projects, influencing the community's interaction with economic development projects. The primary research problem revolves around understanding the formed image of economic development projects among the people of Wasit province.

The main objective of the research is to uncover the nature of the mental image regarding economic development projects in the province and identify the factors contributing to shaping that image. This is crucial because it affects the workflow in these projects, particularly when there are social factors related to customs, traditions, and the social environment specific to the Wasit community. Understanding this image contributes to achieving sustainable development goals in the province. The research revealed several key findings, including the varying levels of awareness in the Wasit community, especially regarding knowledge about these economic projects, with reservations and uncertainty present in some projects. Additionally, there are social and cultural obstacles impacting the implementation of these economic projects, negatively affecting the urban development of the province. Lack of understanding or recognition of the importance of economic development in the province, along with the absence of media awareness or a role for local government media in Wasit province, further compounds these challenges.