Iran´s Brain Drain and the Solutions

Abstract

This article seeks to focus on migratory exodus from Iran in terms of its nature and relevant pull and push factors, i.e., the effects of social, cultural, economic and political factors on emigration. In this study, we present different periods of emigration in Iran and the reasons in each period. The study centers mainly on the phenomenon of brain drain, trying to point towards the motives of such emigration, the losses thereof, and solutions for its prevention. The brain drain phenomenon is so common in Iran that, according to the International Monetary Fund´s statistics for 2009, Iran ranked first among the 91 developing and non-developed countries in the world. According to research, the main causes for the Iranian elite´s exit from the country can be summarized in cases like neglect for the importance of science and research, economic factors, lack of social and political liberties, lack of meritocracy, unemployment, among others, for which some solutions are offered in this study. The reasons behind emigration differ in different periods. The principal emigration periods in Iran are before the revolution, the early years right after the Revolution, the period of war, and the recent period of sanctions.