Strategic Analysis of Future Scenarios of Health Sector Elite Migration within the Digital and Platform Economy: Emphasizing Smart Health Governance

Motaghi, Samira; Ebrahimi, Maryam; Farrokh, Shahrokh

doi:10.30507/jmsp.2026.558854.2860

Strategic Analysis of Future Scenarios of Health Sector Elite Migration within the Digital and Platform Economy: Emphasizing Smart Health Governance

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular Article

Authors

samira motaghi ¹

maryam Ebrahimi ²

shahrokh farrokh ³

¹ Department of Economics. Allameh Tabataba&#039;i University. Tehran. Iran

² Kharazmi university

³ kharazmi university

10.30507/jmsp.2026.558854.2860

Abstract

Technological transformations and the expansion of the digital economy ecosystem have fundamentally reshaped the classical patterns of elite migration in the health sector. Today, physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals can participate in international medical services and global research projects through telemedicine platforms and virtual collaborations—without physical relocation. This study aims to provide a strategic analysis of the future scenarios of Iranian health elites’ migration within the platform economy. Employing a descriptive–analytical and futures studies approach, the research utilizes Cross-Impact Analysis (CIA) to identify key variables and construct plausible future scenarios.

The findings indicate that, under current conditions, Iran’s health elite migration lies in a semi-critical state of “survival under constraint.” In this context, a portion of health professionals remain in the country but operate globally via digital health technologies. Nevertheless, weak communication infrastructures, regulatory restrictions, and macroeconomic instability hinder the full realization of this potential.

The results highlight that smart health governance, the strengthening of digital health infrastructure, and the creation of motivational and incentive frameworks for medical elites can pave the way from a crisis-prone state toward a model of “brain circulation” and sustainable enhancement of national human capital in healthcare.

Keywords

Health Elite Migration

Digital Health Economy

Health Governance

Futures Studies

Cross-Impact Analysis

Subjects