Abstract
Elite management, a cornerstone of sustainable development and a knowledge-based economy, faces numerous challenges in Iran. This research aims to identify these challenges and propose solutions to improve elite management. The main research question investigates the factors contributing to the decline in elite motivation and increased emigration. This mixed-methods study utilized qualitative data from 25 experts and quantitative data from 350 active elites in scientific and industrial fields. Results indicate that challenges such as administrative corruption, lack of transparency, social barriers, and weak research infrastructure contribute to decreased elite motivation. Furthermore, the average elite retention motivation is significantly below average (2.8 out of 5), with managerial challenges (average 4.2 out of 5) identified as the most significant obstacle. Based on the findings, recommendations such as policy transparency and the development of research infrastructure are proposed. This research demonstrates that effective policies can reduce elite emigration and better utilize human capital.
Keywords: Elite management, brain drain, management challenges, research infrastructure, scientific diplomacy.
 
Introduction
Elite management is a cornerstone of sustainable development in any country. The experience of developed countries shows that the ability to attract, retain, and utilize elites has a direct impact on the scientific, economic, and social progress of that country (National Elites Foundation, 2023). In Iran, since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, numerous policies have been implemented in the field of elite management. However, the results of these policies show that serious structural and implementation challenges remain. In recent decades, the emigration of elites has become a major concern for Iranian policymakers. The importance of this issue can be examined from two perspectives: economic and social impact (Razavi, 2019), and the impact on national security (Karimi et al., 2023). Furthermore, the world today is moving towards a knowledge-based economy. In this economy, skilled and creative human resources are considered primary assets. The mismanagement of these assets can lead to increased scientific, economic, and even cultural dependence on other countries. This research seeks to answer the following questions:
• What are the main challenges of elite management in Iran?
• What factors cause the emigration or demotivation of elites in the country?
• What operational and policy solutions can improve the status of elite management in Iran? Research
 
Materials and methods
 This research is applied in nature and uses a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) to analyze and examine the challenges and present strategies for elite management in Iran.
• Qualitative aspect: To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, qualitative content analysis based on semi-structured interviews with experts was used.
• Quantitative aspect: Quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using statistical methods to confirm and complement the qualitative findings.
The qualitative statistical population comprised experts and specialists in the field of elite management in Iran. This included faculty members from universities and research centers related to science and technology policy, some current and former senior managers of the National Elites Foundation and the Ministry of Science, and elite migrants who have returned to the country or are currently working domestically. A purposive sampling method was used, and the sample included 25 experts who met criteria such as research experience, management experience, or migration experience. The quantitative statistical population comprised 500 elites active in scientific and industrial fields in Iran, randomly selected from among members of the National Elites Foundation and doctoral students from top universities. Research Findings
 
Discussion and results
3.1. Interpretation of Findings and their Relation to Research Literature The findings of this research showed that managerial challenges, socio-cultural barriers, and weaknesses in research infrastructure are three key factors in reducing the motivation and increasing the emigration of Iranian elites. These results are consistent with the National Elites Foundation report (2024) and international studies such as the OECD report (2023). Based on human capital theory, elites, as valuable resources of countries, should be given special attention. However, the lack of transparency and administrative corruption, identified in this research as the most important obstacles, have led to the waste of this human capital.
• Managerial Challenges: The results of this research confirm that administrative corruption in some areas and a lack of transparency in some parts of Iran's management system (in the field of elites) are major factors in reducing the motivation of elites. This is consistent with the findings of the UNESCO report (2023), which identifies transparency as a key factor in retaining elites.
• Socio-cultural Barriers: Social limitations, mainly referring to the lack of meritocracy and the existence of very heavy and irrational bureaucracies and hidden institutions active in attracting elites, identified as the second obstacle in this research, are much more prominent compared to successful countries such as Canada and China. This result is also consistent with the studies of Docquier & Rapoport (2021), which emphasized the role of culture and social justice in attracting elites.
• Weakness of research infrastructure: The lack of advanced facilities and insufficient research funding are major reasons for the dissatisfaction of elites. This finding aligns with global reports such as the Global Innovation Index (2023), which shows that countries with advanced research infrastructure are more successful in attracting and retaining elites.
3.2. Analysis of Differences and Similarities with Global Studies
• Unlike successful countries that have used comprehensive elite attraction and retention programs, such as China's "1000 Talent Plan," to reduce elite emigration rates, in Iran, the relative weakness of comprehensive and transparent policies is a major factor in emigration.
• In some Western countries, direct support policies such as providing permanent residency and financial assistance to elites have played an important role in increasing the motivation to stay. In contrast, in Iran, such programs have been implemented on a limited or non-transparent basis.
 
Conclusion
4.1. Answers to the Main Research Questions
1. What are the main challenges in managing elites in Iran? o Administrative corruption in some areas and lack of transparency. o Shortage of job opportunities matching the expertise of elites and crushing bureaucracy. o Weakness of research and technological infrastructure. o Social and cultural limitations (meritocracy or patronage).
2. What factors cause the emigration or demotivation of elites? o Lack of attractive job opportunities. o Lack of research facilities and financial support. o Social pressures and feelings of frustration from a lack of meritocracy.
3. What solutions can improve the management of elites? o Transparency in policies and reduction of administrative corruption (in areas related to elites). o Increased investment in research infrastructure. o Providing special job and financial benefits to elites. o Creating active scientific diplomacy to attract emigrant elites. o Establishing a strategic process based on equity in identifying and attracting elites. o Reducing the crushing bureaucracy of some institutions active in this area.
4.2. Policy Implications This research reveals that while Iran possesses a high capacity of elite human capital, weaknesses in management and the lack of a supportive environment lead to the loss of this valuable asset. To reduce the emigration of elites and increase their retention, a serious review of macro and management policies is necessary.