Geographies of Digital Nomadism: A Research Agenda

Abstract

Over the past decade, digital nomadism has gained increasing prominence in both academic and public discourse, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus has shifted from just the nomads themselves to also considering the destinations they inhabit and the broader spatial implications of their movement. This review sets out a research agenda based on emerging discussions about the geographies of digital nomadism, organized around four main thematic areas. The first cluster of scholarly works examines how digital nomads are understood at the crossroads of work-life, leisure and lifestyle mobility perspectives. The second part includes studies that explore how states are crafting migration regulations and programs to attract digital nomads, along with the difficulties that nomads face in navigating these evolving regulatory landscapes. The third cluster of scholarship investigates the intricate interplay between digital nomadism and housing, focussing on the rise of a medium-term rental market and diverse housing solutions tailored to digital nomads, while cautioning against the potential gentrifying effects of these emerging markets. Finally, the fourth segment of research examines the socio-economic infrastructural changes arising from the growing presence of digital nomadism within urban settlements. This includes their role in fostering local innovation as well as their influence in local economic and labour restructuring. The review concludes with a proposed agenda for future geographic research.