Conclusion: Migration Research in Times of Ubiquitous Digitization

Abstract

In this concluding chapter, the book’s editors stress the epochal status of the digital revolution and urge migration scholars to leverage innovative information and communication technology for enhancing their research designs. New technological options may contribute significantly to improving the viability and quality of researcher-defined data collections, yet their full potential comes to bear with regard to massive datasets generated by third parties, such as digital trace data. Since the center of gravity of social studies is predicted to shift increasingly towards the repurposing of such accrued data, migration researchers are advised to seek close cooperation with data scientists. In addition to methodological pluralism and interdisciplinary collaboration, the editors emphasize the need for ethical safeguards and accountability as major challenges this ongoing transformation entails.