Call for Track Abstracts: From Geopolitics to Digital Frontiers: Rethinking HRM and Global Mobility of Labour
We are delighted to announce the track "From Geopolitics to Digital Frontiers: Rethinking HRM and Global Mobility of Labour" as part of The 14th Biennial International Conference of the Dutch HRM Network 2026, taking place on 9-11 November 2026 in Ghent, Belgium.
This track, organized by Ngoc Hân Nguyen, Basak Bilecen, Thijs Broekhuizen, Julia Reinold, Katrin Marchand, and Frank Cörvers, focuses on the evolving dynamics of global employee mobility, labour migration and HRM.
The global movement of workers is reshaping the modern labour market, driven by geopolitical instability, technological innovation, and shifting demographic patterns (Future of Jobs Report 2025, 2025). Armed conflicts, climate-induced displacement, and the rise of protectionist policies are creating volatile conditions that directly impact the mobility of employees across borders (Vesco et al., 2025). Trade restrictions further complicate cross-border labour flows (Caliendo et al., 2019), which subsequently can challenge the social integration of migrants in host countries. These factors tend to demand new HR strategies from organizations to effectively manage the mobility of their global workforce.
At the same time, digital advancements, such as AI-driven recruitment, algorithmic workforce management, and virtual collaboration tools, are transforming how organizations engage with migrant and globally mobile employees (e.g. Bucher et al. (2025)). While these technologies offer new opportunities for efficiency, they also raise critical ethical questions about fairness, privacy, and the human impact of automated decision-making (e.g. Capasso et al. (2024)).
Labour migration remains a cornerstone of economic resilience. However, the integration of displaced talent, ethical sourcing of global labour, and the reconfiguration of diverse workforces present ongoing challenges for HR professionals and policymakers alike.
This track invites scholars and practitioners to explore the evolving dynamics of global employee mobility, labour migration and HRM. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
· The impact of geopolitical and technological shifts on cross-border workforce movement.
· Ethical and practical considerations in managing globally mobile employees.
· Innovative HR strategies for supporting migrant workers and fostering inclusive workplaces.
· Remote work and virtual collaboration: Implications for global teams.
· Role of migrant workers in sustaining key economic sectors.
· Policies and practices for integrating displaced foreign talent into local labour markets.
· Social cohesion and diversity initiatives in multicultural workplaces.
· Agile and inclusive HR strategies for a globally dispersed workforce.
· Cross-cultural management and leadership in international contexts.
Why Submit?
- Share your research with a global audience.
- Engage with experts in migration, HRM, and labour economics.
- Contribute to meaningful discussions and potential collaborations.
Submission Details: For abstract submission guidelines, deadlines, and registration information, please visit: https://hrm-network.nl/conference/
Key Dates
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 24 February 2026
- Conference Dates: 9-11 November 2026
For questions about the track, feel free to reach out to Ngoc Hân Nguyen at n.h.nguyen@rug.nl.
We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming you to The 14th Biennial International Conference of the Dutch HRM Network 2026!