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The concept of technological catch-up can be used as a theoretical platform to design policies for the management of the healthcare sector in developing countries. In this article, initially, the factors affecting a technological catch-up process were collected through a conceptual literature review and prioritised using a fuzzy Delphi survey. The interdependences among important contributory factors were investigated as well. They were then used to create some policy recommendations for the management of the healthcare sector in developing countries through an interdisciplinary integration of the literature of technological catch-up and healthcare. Some exemplary projects/initiatives using these policies were collected too. The quality of human resources, a comprehensive knowledge management system, interactive learning and innovation-encouraging culture were rated as the most important contributing factors to an effectual technological catch-up in the healthcare sector in developing countries. Also, the creation of distributed health social networks, development of systematic knowledge management systems, forming strategic partnerships and designing path-creating technological catch-up processes by focusing on indigenous innovation were the final policy recommendations. All in all, the healthcare sector in developing countries should stop chasing frontiers, should try taking detours and flying a balloon by adopting a strategy of differentiation.

Quality of life and satisfaction with life as tightly interconnected concepts have become of much importance in the urbanism era. No doubt, it is one of the most important goals of every human society to enhance a citizen’s quality of life and to increase their satisfaction with life. However, there are many signs which demonstrate the low level of life satisfaction of Iranian citizens especially among the youth. Thus, considering the temporal concept of life satisfaction, this research aims to make a futures study in this field. Therefore, using a mixed model and employing research methods from futures studies, life satisfaction among the students of the University of Tehran were measured and their views on this subject investigated. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed together in order to test the hypotheses and to address the research questions on the youth discontentment with quality of life. Findings showed that the level of life satisfaction among students is relatively low and their image of the future is not positive and not optimistic. These views were elicited and discussed in the social, economic, political, environmental and technological perspectives. Keywords:  futures studies, quality of life, satisfaction with life, youth

Trends such as aging populations, excess costs, rising public expectations, and progress in medical science and technologies point out the necessity of adaptation and development of innovation in the healthcare systems particularly in developed countries. The main objective of this article is to review diffusion of innovation in the healthcare sector. Different types of innovation, diffusion characteristics, and adoption mechanisms are the subjects that are discussed in the selected case study, Finland. Finally, the key items of innovation management in the Finnish health system are introduced. The results can be implemented in other countries as well.