Abstract
<jats:p>This study systematically reviews empirical evidence on the impact of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) on economic growth, regional development, investment, employment, and exports. The research applies a Systematic Literature Review methodology based on the PRISMA framework. A total of 29 studies published between 2000 and 2026 were selected and analyzed. The findings indicate that SEZs contribute to economic activity, investment attraction, and job creation across many countries. However, their effectiveness depends largely on institutional quality, governance, infrastructure, and integration with the domestic economy. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the developmental effects of SEZs and identifies key directions for future research</jats:p>