DIGITALIZED LABOR MARKETS AND MIGRATION: THE ROLE OF REMOTE WORKING TECHNOLOGIES ON THE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRANTS
Human Technology, vol.22, no.1, pp.121-138, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 22 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.14254/1795-6889.2026.22-1.6
- Journal Name: Human Technology
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.121-138
- Keywords: Eastern Europe, highly skilled migrants, Panel Data Analysis, remote working, social integration, Technology Acceptance Model
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study empirically examines the impact of digitalization dynamics and remote work technologies on the social integration processes of highly skilled migrants displaced to Eastern Europe after the Russia-Ukraine war. Panel dataset for the period 2015-2025 covering Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria; Fixed Effects analyzed Pooled OLS, Random Effects, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) methods. The theoretical framework is based on the synthesis of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Berry's Acculturation Model, and Social Capital Theory. The findings reveal that the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) has a strong, positive impact on the professional integration of highly skilled migrants. The unexpected negative mediator effect of digital competence indicates that excessive reliance on remote work carries the risk of "digital isolation". The regulatory role of digital infrastructure was found to be statistically insignificant. The findings introduce the 'Digitally Mediated Acculturation Model' to the literature and offer concrete suggestions for hybrid integration policies. Given data constraints, this study employs the employment rate of tertiary-educated non-EU nationals as a proxy for professional integration of highly skilled migrants. The findings introduce the "Digitally Mediated Acculturation Model" to the literature and offer concrete suggestions for hybrid integration policies.