Information and Communication Technology in Migration: A Framework for Applications, Customization, and Research

TL;DR

This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for applying emerging ICTs like AI, social media, and virtual reality to improve migration governance, support, and experiences, highlighting opportunities for customization and future research.

Contribution

It introduces a novel framework categorizing technology use in migration by user groups and process types, with examples and future research directions for leveraging emerging technologies.

Findings

Framework for ICT application in migration

Examples of emerging tech use in migration tasks

Future research directions identified

Abstract

This paper addresses the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in migration governance, support, and experience with particular attention to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, social media, and virtual reality. We propose a framework for technology use based on user groups and process types. We provide examples of using emerging technologies for migration-related tasks within the context of this framework. We then identify how such technologies can be applied to migration-related tasks, developed for customized use, and improved through research to add new features that can help different migration stakeholders. We suggest a series of possible directions for future research and development to take advantage of specific affordances of those emerging technologies more effectively.