Research cluster

Digital Economy and Society

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Cluster focuses on the social and economic impacts of digital transformation, with a particular focus on how digitalization is transforming the world of work.

“Digital economies open up new opportunities for positive change and development but they can also exacerbate social inequalities and spread new risks. We created this cluster to forge dialogue across boundaries about these complex transformations.”

Dr Andreas Hackl and Dr Mohammad Amir Anwar, Digital Economy and Society Cluster Leads

The Cluster increases the capacity for research collaboration across disciplines at the University of Edinburgh, while generating a fruitful exchange of ideas and research between the University and our international colleagues and partners. A particular goal of our work lies in bridging academia with practice, in part by initiating knowledge exchange and dialogue between researchers and practitioners in the public, private and third sectors.

Projects

Panoramic view of Maldives islands from sea plane. Photography by Martin Kovalenkov

Digital economy in Small Island Developing States

Logo for Digital Livelihoods, featuring three stylized human figures in orange, yellow, and gray forming a circular shape. The text "DIGITAL LIVELIHOODS" is written to the right, with "DIGITAL" in gray and "LIVELIHOODS" in orange.

Digital Refugee Livelihoods

A world map displays countries grouped by continents, each represented by proportional circles indicating COVID-19 vaccination rates. Larger circles denote higher vaccination. Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania are included, with legend detailing circle sizes.

Covid-19 Response Governance Mapping

A woman wearing a headscarf and patterned blouse types on a laptop. To her right, there is a blue section with the UNHCR logo and text that reads: "Promotion, Inclusion and Protection of Refugees in the Gig Economy." Below is a brief description of a concept note.
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Refugees in the digital economy: New Implementation agreement signed with International Labour Organization

Blogs

A cluttered desk with several laptops, notebooks, a phone, tea set, snacks, headphones, and various office supplies. Four people are seen from above, each working on their own devices and items. The setting suggests a busy and collaborative work environment.

Digital transformation is changing the future of work and skills

Blog
A classroom setting where several adults are engaged. Two individuals stand in front of the room, one writing on a flip chart, and three others are seated at desks with laptops. A whiteboard with notes and a poster promoting education are visible in the background.

How is digitalization transforming international development themes and practice? The intersections of tech, policy pressure, and education

Blog

Workshops & Events

Upcoming

Past

Upcoming events and workshops will be posted here.

A person in a plaid shirt gestures with their hands while speaking during a meeting. In the foreground, a notebook and phone are on the table. In the background, a laptop screen displays a colorful chart, and another person is visible but out of focus.

Digital Economy and Society Discussion Series #1: How is digital transformation changing the future of work and skills?

A promotional banner for the ILO report launch webinar on "Digital Refugee Livelihoods and Decent Work." The banner features three people using mobile devices, the event date and time (29 April, 13:00 CET), and logos for the International Labour Organization and EMPLAB.

Digital Refugee Livelihoods and Decent Work – Towards inclusion in a fairer digital economy

Meet our researchers

A grayscale portrait of a man with medium-length, wavy hair and a beard. He is wearing a light-colored shirt with a slightly open collar. The background is dark, making his face stand out prominently. The expression on his face is calm and contemplative.

Alec Ross

PhD Candidate
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Andreas Hackl headshot

Andreas Hackl

Lecturer in Anthropology of Development
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
David Mesa-Ruiz headshot

David Mesa-Ruiz

PhD Candidate
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Economics
George Hamandishe Karekwaivanane headshot

George Karekwaivanane

Senior Lecturer in African Studies
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Idil Galip headshot

Idil Galip

PhD Candidate
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Isadora Dullaert headshot

Isadora Dullaert

PhD Candidate
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Juli Huang headshot

Juli Huang

Senior Lecturer in Anthropology of Development
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Júlia Fernandez headshot

Júlia Fernandez Molina

PhD Candidate
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Headshot of Kevin Donovan

Kevin P. Donovan

Lecturer in the Centre of African Studies
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
A woman with long, light brown hair is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a dark-colored top and has a light complexion. The background is plain and white.

Maggie Dwyer

Lecturer in African Studies and International Development
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Mohammad Amir Anwar headshot

Mohammad Amir Anwar

Lecturer in African Studies and International Development
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Oyku Hazal Tural headshot

Oyku Hazal Tural

PhD Candidate
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science
Zeineb Alsabeehg headshot

Zeineb Alsabeehg

PhD Candidate
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences School of Social and Political Science

Get in touch

If you’re interested in our work we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch

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