The Data for Policy conference series is the premier global forum for multiple disciplinary and cross-sector discussions around the theories, applications and implications of data science innovation in governance and the public sector. The 2024 edition will focus on the future of governance and decision making with AI, posing the overarching question: “Trustworthy Governance with AI?”.

The BD4M Alliance will participate to the conversation with the special track, “Anticipating Migration for Policymaking,” which aims to explore innovative data-driven methods for forecasting and foresight in the context of migration. This track will build upon an existing pool of expertise, as it is closely linked with the ongoing call for papers for the special collection “Anticipating Migration for Policymaking: Forecasting, Foresight, and Other Forward-Looking Methods to Inform Migration Policy” to be published in Data & Policy.

This special track aligns with the Data and Policy 2024 conference’s overarching theme of AI and governance, focusing on the intersection of data governance, policy, and migration. The track will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and industry experts to discuss and showcase cutting-edge techniques that leverage data to anticipate migration trends and inform policymaking.

Topics to Be Covered: This special track will cover a range of topics related to data-based forecasting and foresight in migration policy:

Advances in Forecasting Models: Presentations in this area will delve into the latest developments in forecasting models, encompassing both traditional statistical methods and advanced AI-driven techniques. The track will explore how these methods can be applied to predict different types of migration, with an emphasis on labour migration and mixed migration patterns.

Foresight Techniques for Migration Scenarios: Sessions under this theme will delve into the role of foresight methods in generating plausible migration scenarios. Attendees will gain insights into how these scenarios can drive the formulation of adaptable public policies, addressing future migration challenges.

Ethical Data Usage in Anticipatory Methods: This topic will focus on the ethical considerations surrounding data collection, analysis, and utilization in anticipatory methods. Discussions will emphasize the importance of protecting migrants’ rights while leveraging data to inform policy decisions.

Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Insights: Presentations in this area will showcase successful approaches to integrating both quantitative and qualitative data in forecasting migration trends. This interdisciplinary approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of migration dynamics.

Case Studies and Practical Applications: Attendees will have the opportunity to explore real-world case studies that highlight the deployment, impact, and results of anticipatory methods in informing migration policies. These case studies will underscore the practical utility of data-driven approaches.

Leveraging Non-Traditional Data: Sessions in this category will explore the innovative use of non-traditional data sources to assess and predict migration patterns between countries. Attendees will learn how unconventional data can provide valuable insights for policy formulation.

Special Track Chairs:

• Stefaan Verhulst, The GovLab, New York University
• Sara Marcucci, The GovLab, New York University
• Martina Belmonte, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission
• Alina Menocal Peters, IOM Global Migration Data Analysis Centre
• Damien Jusselme, IOM Global Migration Data Analysis Centre
• Matteo Fontana, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission
• Anna Rosinska, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission