Location and Migration Decisions of the Creative Class: A Case Study of Tehran Metropolis in Iran

The migration of creative and highly skilled people has received less attention, especially at the national level, compared to all types of migration. The purpose of this research is to explain the factors that influence the location and migration decisions of creative and highly skilled human capital in the metropolises of Iran, with a focus on the metropolis of Tehran. It also aims to understand and explain the mechanism by which Tehran attracts the country's creative class. This research was carried out using the method of content analysis, and the required data and information were collected from 19 participants using the interview technique. Based on the findings, in Iran and especially in the Tehran metropolis, nine variables have the greatest impact on the location and migration decisions of creative and highly skilled human capital. They are Tolerance and Diversity, Facilities, Advantages and Distinctions, Economic and Professional Life, Culture and Lifestyle, Feeling Progressed, Personal and Family, International Atmosphere, and Obstacles and Disadvantages. Since Tehran has the upper hand in these variables, it directs the flow of the country's creative class to itself; thus, 52% of the creative class of the metropolises is concentrated in Tehran. Moving towards decentralization policies, especially from the metropolis of Tehran and balanced regional development in the country, can provide the basis for brain circulation in the country and, consequently, a relatively balanced distribution of the creative class.