Virtual Mobilities (VMs) are very flexible and inclusive networking activities crucial to establish new collaborations or reinforcing existing collaborations across disciplines and different sectors with possible impact on career development. Virtual Mobility consists of collaboration in a virtual setting among researchers or innovators within the DIGI-net to exchange knowledge and learn new techniques. These virtual mobilities are done by researchers or innovators for specific work aiming at the capacity building and transfer of knowledge through bilateral/multilateral collaborations, and the specific/general topic that can help achieve the DIGI-net objectives and deliverables.
DIGI-net call for Virtual Mobilities grants
Recent examples of mobility grants
Loneliness and connectedness in older workers: Secondary data analysis across 31 European countries in the context of digitalization
During this Virtual Mobility, Cristina Maria Tofan advanced theoretical and empirical insights into loneliness and connectedness among older workers in the context of digitalization. She coordinated the continuation of a scoping review and conducted a secondary data analysis using ESS Round 10 across 31 European countries. Her findings showed that workplace digital access reduces loneliness, while offline social engagement remains essential for well‑being. The VM produced two conference papers, strengthened DIGI‑net’s visibility, and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration. Planned follow‑up includes expanding the analysis with country‑level predictors, integrating additional datasets, and preparing co‑authored publications within DIGI‑net’s Working Group 3.
Collaborative Development of a National Research Proposal on Age Cultures and Ageism in Organisations
During this Virtual Mobility, Maria Varlamova collaborated with Dr. Sejdi Sejdiu to co‑develop a comparative research proposal on organisational age cultures, ageism, and lifelong learning in digitalised workplaces. The work refined key theoretical concepts, mapped national funding opportunities in Poland and Kosovo, and produced a draft proposal structure with defined research objectives, methodology, work packages, and stakeholder engagement plans. Outputs included a concept note, NCN proposal outline, stakeholder map, and a WG2 briefing paper. The VM fully achieved its goals, strengthened DIGI‑net’s presence in South‑Eastern Europe, and established a foundation for continued collaboration, proposal submission, and future co‑financing initiatives.
Synthesis of Policy Recommendations on Work and Ageing in the Digital Age
The Virtual Mobility led by Nataliia Tkalenko successfully delivered a cross‑country synthesis of five DIGI‑net Local Policy Workshop papers, transforming fragmented findings into clear, actionable policy guidance. Her analysis identified shared priorities—targeted upskilling for 50+/55+, employer‑side organisational change, and stronger PES–employer coordination—while highlighting gaps in resourcing and KPI design. Key outputs included a comparative brief, a visual presentation, a reusable coding matrix, and an analytic protocol supporting future Action deliverables. Planned follow‑up includes presenting the synthesis at the Porto Core Group meeting, refining materials based on feedback, and publishing a web‑ready package as DIGI‑net’s reference set of policy tools.
“Cybersecurity Awareness for Older Workers – A Comparative Perspective”
During this Virtual Mobility, Dr. Dolantina Hyka collaborated with Dr. Brigid Unim (ISS, Italy) to develop a comparative study on cybersecurity awareness and digital inclusion among older workers. The scope was refined to Albania and Italy to ensure data quality and feasibility. Key activities included desk research, creation of a comparative analytical framework, policy review, drafting of a joint research paper, and preparation of a policy brief for WG4. The VM established a new institutional partnership, generated strong preliminary findings, and set the foundation for expanding the study to Kosovo and North Macedonia, pursuing funding opportunities, and disseminating results within DIGI‑net.
Archive
Example of VM: The role of digital technologies for older workers nexus work inequalities
Example of VM: The role of digital technologies for older workers nexus work inequalities
Dr. Esra Kabaklarlı cooperated with Countries and researchers from Cost Action 21107 involved in the project ALBANIA (Prof Rezarta SHKURTI (PERRI)
During the duration (19th July 2023 – 19th Oct 2023) of Virtual mobility were the main activities performed:
- Data Collection and Empirical Analysis: At this stage, the relationship between the older labour force participation rate and information and communication technologies (ICT)has been examined by employing Random and Fixed Effect Models along with the Driscoll-Kraay standard error Estimators for selected 37 OECD countries in the period between 2000-2022.
- A survey questionnaire on platform work was formed with participants to understand their level of platform work awareness, interest, and attitude.
The questionnaires were distributed involving participants from CA21107 countries.
Example of VM: Technostress among older academics in European countries
Example of VM: Technostress among older academics in European countries
Main activities performed Umar and Sylvia developed a distinctive approach to draw a varied group of scholars to their research. They also revolutionized communication by establishing a dynamic digital hub, which
allowed their team to seamlessly share ideas and track progress.
Their research was characterized by clear objectives, compelling questions, and a systematic approach. The findings were expected to illuminate the negative impacts of digitalization in academia and the diverse reactions of academics, either adapting or struggling with these changes. They viewed themselves not just as researchers, but as explorers navigating the intricate terrain of academic research.
“Diverse reactions of academics, either adapting or struggling with these changes”
Example of VM: Literature review on older workers’ inequalities caused by digitalisation
Example of VM: Literature review on older workers’ inequalities caused by digitalisation
In this research, we undertook an in-depth exploration of the methodology for conducting a scoping review, drawing from influential sources in the field. Key references included Arksey and O’Malley’s 2005 work, “Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework,” published in the International Journal of Social Research Methodology, and Tricco et al.’s 2018 article,
“PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation,” in the Annals of Internal Medicine. These foundational pieces provided a comprehensive
methodological framework and a detailed checklist, respectively, guiding the structure of our scoping review.
“Proper methodology is a base of excellent research”