1st INDL-MEA
Conference
@Cairo
Dear Scholars, Researchers, Students, and Practitioners,
The American University in Cairo and the International Network on Digital Labor (INDL) are excited to invite you to the inaugural conference of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) chapter of INDL titled “Digital Labor Perspectives from the Middle East and Africa.” Organized in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Digital Platform Labor (DiPLab), and the American University in Cairo, this conference will be held on May 28, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt.
Rationale
Digital labor is at the heart of our evolving economies. To address the specific challenges and developments in the Middle East and Africa, we are launching a dedicated chapter of INDL.
This conference provides a unique platform to present research related to the MEA region, either ongoing, burgeoning, thus offering opportunities for scholars and practitioners to engage with topics such as platformization, automation, gig economy dynamics, and technology-mediated labor.
MEA-INDL will feature three tracks: one in Arabic, one in English, and one in French, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the region.
Topics
Submissions must be in reference to the MEA region, for instance: in perspective, case studies, or focus.
Submission topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Case studies examining platforms, gig economy workers, and online digital labor in MEA
- Exploring algorithmic management practices in work processes, recruiting, and HR in MEA
- Consequences of the shift to digital labor on workers, businesses, economies, and labor markets in MEA
- Effects of remote work and digital labor on employee well-being and productivity in MEA
- Policy responses to the rise of digital labor and automation in MEA, including regulatory measures and government intervention
- Strategies of organizing digital workers and managing geographically distributed workforces in MEA
- Intersectional perspectives on digital labor in MEA/Global South
- Exploring AI and digital labor through a decolonial lens in MEA/Global South
- Challenges posed by Generative AI to human labor in MEA/Global South
Submissions
We invite submissions of anonymized abstracts for papers, case studies, and policy briefs related to these topics. Abstracts, up to 500 words, can be submitted in Arabic, English, or French through our website. You need to create an account to submit. The submission deadline is January 15, 2023. Selected participants will be notified of acceptance by January 31, 2024.
Important Dates
- Deadline for submissions: January 15
- Acceptance notification: January 31
- Registration opens: TBA
- MEA-INDL conference date: May 28, 2024
We are enthusiastic about the prospect of your valuable contributions. Together, let’s foster a thought-provoking dialogue and contribute to shaping the future of digital labor in the Middle East and Africa.
To submit your proposal register and follow the steps
Our conference is co-located with Conf-IRM. We encourage you to consider participating in the Conference on Information Resource Management (Conf-IRM), taking place at the same time as our event at the American University in Cairo (26-28 May, 2024). It offers a unique chance for continued networking and knowledge exchange. Please note that registration for Conf-IRM is separate.
Warm regards,
INDL
The American University in Cairo
Université Française d’Egypte
Weizenbaum Institut