WeLaR Conference Call for Papers

The effects of digitalisation, globalisation, climate change and demographic shifts on labour markets and welfare states in the European Union

We will explore how digitalisation, globalisation, demographic shifts, and climate change are driving structural transformations in the labour market, including changes in skills demand and supply, job quality, and working conditions. Additionally, we will examine the social implications of these trends, such as their effects on inequality and well-being. We will also address the influence of these four megatrends on welfare states, including shifts in preferences for social protection and implications for public finance. Researchers from all social science fields are invited to contribute and participate. Both quantitative and qualitative studies are welcome.

Keynote Speaker: Professor Francesco Vona

Full Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of Milan

We welcome contributions addressing the implications of digitalisation, globalisation, climate change, and demographic shifts on various aspects, encompassing but not limited to:

• Heterogenous labour market and distributional impacts of these megatrends
• Work-related migration and skills
• Spatial convergence / divergence
• Inequalities and intersectionality
• Technology, skills and human capital
• EU economic governance, trade
• Social policy, social protection systems

Covering the combined impact of two or more of the driving forces – digitalisation, globalisation, climate change and demographic shifts – is considered an added value. We strongly encourage contributions from PhD students and early-career academics. A poster session will be held, with a prize awarded to the winner. If you apply for a poster session, please mention it clearly in your email.

Submissions

Please submit your paper or an extended abstract (approximately 800 words) along with i) paper title, ii) name(s) of the author(s), and iii) affiliation and the email address of the presenting author by 14 March 2025 to Laurène Thil (laurene.thil@kuleuven.be). Abstracts should include the following elements: introduction, methodology, major findings, implications and keywords.

Key dates

March 14, 2025 – Deadline for abstract submission
April 4, 2025 – Decisions on acceptance
April 14, 2025 – Registration deadline for presenting attendees
June 5, 2025 – Registration for all attendees
June 12, 2025 – Conference in Brussels

Scientific committee:

Piotr Lewandowski (IBS), Ludivine Martin (LISER), Cristiano Perugini (UNIPG), Ursula Holtgrewe (ZSI), Slavina Spasova (OSE), Holger Stichnoth (ZEW), Mikkel Barslund (HIVA – KU LEUVEN), Karolien Lenaerts (HIVA – KU LEUVEN) and Laurène Thil (HIVA – KU Leuven).