PERCEPTIONS - SYNYO GmbH

PERCEPTIONS: Recommendation strategies, tools and guidelines for policymakers

leo — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:54:20 +0000

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS: Research project to investigate the impact of perceptions on migration aspirations comes to an end

When it comes to migration, it is of the utmost importance to understand narratives about Europe– held outside of Europe – and how these can lead to problems and threats. The aim of the PERCEPTIONS project was to identify and understand the narratives and (mis-)perceptions of the EU abroad, assess potential issues related with the border and external security in order to allow better planning and outline reactions and countermeasures.

The project “PERCEPTIONS. Understand the Impact of Novel Technologies, Social Media, and Perceptions in Countries Abroad on Migration Flows and the Security of the EU & Provide Validated Counter Approaches, Tools and Practices” was a three-year research and innovation project. It was building on previous research which suggested that perceptions on Europe are formed in the country of residence, and they are based on a multitude of sources; and factors influencing migration are on different levels – from the overall socio-economic situation in a country to perceptions on educational opportunities and gender equality. The outcomes of the project now draw a clearer picture.

The role of social media

Social media and new communication networks have increased the scope and the intensity of distribution of a variety of narratives; so-called filter bubbles and echo chambers can lead to one-sided narratives that go uncorrected. Due to new communication technologies, claims can take on a life of their own, and might raise unrealistic expectations or disapproval. At the same time, however, technologies and communication networks might also provide a channel to avoid a mismatch of expectation and reality.

Therefore, PERCEPTIONS identified the channels in which such narratives and images are spread, including traditional and social media, and the actors who tell these stories – and to whom, with what purpose and with what impact. The project focused on the role of traditional mass media, as well as social media, in this process, and what kind of images and ideas are transported via different channels. The project also examined how the flow of information could be distorted and whether inaccurate information could lead to a threat to the security of migrants (e.g., through dangerous border crossings) or even national security (e.g., radicalisation).

The project’s objectives and outcomes

The project’s objectives can be defined as follows:

RESEARCH the body of scientific literature on the creation and the distribution of place-related narratives with a particular emphasis on their creation and the distribution through social networks and media, as well as relevant project outcomes, models and measures.
UNDERSTAND the relevance of positive and negative narratives in relation to the motivation for migration through conducting quantitative and qualitative empirical research, allowing transverse and transnational comparisons.
ANALYSE social media data and mass media to understand how narratives, rumours and false images of Europe are spread, investigate novel technologies, as well as secondary data and scenarios, and conduct a network analysis to identify the impact of novel technologies.
DESIGN dynamic new approaches and (counter-)measures in the form of intuitive toolkits for civil society organisations and development aid organisations in order to support their local activities to deconstruct false narratives and enhance the dissemination of right narratives.
LEVERAGE a modular Web Platform including an Open Information Hub to spread knowledge and public materials, as well as public and professional service modules hosting digital solutions with a centralised dashboard.
VALIDATE the outlined materials and measures to ensure the sustainability of the PERCEPTIONS solutions, allowing the flexible and individual adaptation of the toolkits to the specific local, regional or country-specific needs.
DISSEMINATE the PERCEPTIONS solutions by raising awareness, dissemination results in the scientific community, and creating international networks of practitioners working in the field for supporting them with knowledge exchange, training approaches and resources.

Besides insights gained through the various research activities, PERCEPTIONS outcomes included toolkits of creative and innovative measures to react or even counteract them, considering social, societal and structural aspects. A series of policies responded to the so-called ‘migration crisis’, based on assumptions about the factors influencing migration. PERCEPTIONS created evidence-based toolkits of creative and innovative measures for policymakers to react or counteract different perceptions, considering social, societal and structural aspects. PERCEPTIONS also aimed to support first-line practitioners, as well as migrants, and to protect (potential) migrants by creating trusted communication contents and communication channels and by counter-manding “false” and dangerous narratives that may lead to the exploitation of vulnerable groups.

To achieve its objectives, the project was structured in eight work packages, each with its own objectives and activities. After a phase of intense theoretical (desk-based) and empirical research, the partners elaborated a framework model, tools and concepts, which were consequently tested and validated with the target groups. The created materials were then published on the PERCEPTIONS web platform.

Links

https://project.perceptions.eu/

https://twitter.com/PERCEPTIONS_EU

https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsproject/

Keywords

Migration, perceptions, narratives, social media, push and pull factors, social network analysis, ICT, security

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PERCEPTIONS: Recommendation strategies, tools and guidelines for policymakers

leo — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 08:10:14 +0000

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS: Recommendation strategies, tools and guidelines for policymakers

PERCEPTIONS presents recommendations, tools and guides developed in the project. These outputs aim to meet the informational needs of stakeholders in the migration field, including policymakers, practitioners, media, donors, migrants and NGOS. They also aim to positively influence policy making through the use of innovative hand-on materials and best practices.

Background

As observed by many scholars in the ecology of migration, many innovative interventions capable of making potential impact in the ‘real world’ are grounded in material reality, thus promoting certain methods, forms, and durations as ‘good’ practices while at the same time (in)directly contributing to other methods being considered as less effective or unproductive. The PERCEPTIONS project revealed that not only are such processes inevitably political, but they are also a rigorous process and intellectually fascinating engagement and are often where creativity meets geography, as well as where perceptions create narratives or vice versa1 beyond language and traditional geopolitical and boundaries.

Furthermore, challenges in migration management link with narratives and perceptions of Europe and require researchers to see holistically and embrace the importance of (in)tangible imaginaries, new technologies and emotions embedded in our migration ecology to co-create innovative, sustainable, transferable, human rights based, and impactful tools, measures and guidelines. Accordingly, the project worked on a collection of user-friendly strategies, tools and guidelines, materials and servicesto help PERCEPTIONS project stakeholders.

The guidelines

The PERCEPTIONS project is dedicated to supplying stakeholders in the migration ecology including policymakers, practitioners, migrant organisations, and NGOs, with evidence-based policy recommendations, cutting-edge tools, and expert advice. The aim is to satisfy the information needs of these stakeholders, promote informed decision-making through the delivery of timely and accurate data, and engage the community through the utilization of innovative materials and best practices.

Accordingly, the policy recommendations, tools and strategic guides created aim to fulfil three main

goals:

a) providing stakeholders with the necessary information;
b) positively influencing policy making through up-to-date data and recommendations; and
c) engaging the community with impactful materials and best practices.

On a running bases, briefs are published on the PERCEPTIONS platform and uploaded to Zenodo. In addition, they were published on Emerald. Likewise, strategies for creating awareness and calling attention to our policy briefs include, collecting recommendations relevant for LEAs, organisation of and participation in events and workshops, and bilateral meetings with policymakers at different levels. Furthermore, the user-friendly 3D-Crystal Search Engine provides the logic that organises all the resources of PERCEPTIONS on the publicly available web platform. The Crystal is built following a three-layer structure based on the potential needs of the end-users, aiming at stakeholders who want to increase their knowledge (intervention level 1, e.g., providing articles, brochures, deliverables, publications, etc.), who are looking for materials (intervention level 2, e.g., providing best practices, campaigning tools, PERCEPTIONS handbook); and who are looking for policy recommendations and policy-relevant insights (intervention level 3).

Links

https://www.perceptions.eu/

https://inclusive-europe.com/

Keywords

Perceptions, narratives, first-line practitioners, migration, platform

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PERCEPTIONS: Web platform launched, first policy briefs published and creative awareness activities conducted

leo — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 08:28:55 +0000

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS: Web platform launched, first policy briefs published and creative awareness activities conducted

The PERCEPTIONS project is producing relevant and creative outputs: a web platform for policymakers and first-line practitioners, policy briefs that summarise key insights for policymakers, and creative awareness materials for first-line practitioners, local community activists, and migration organisations. To maximise the project’s impact, results are presented.

In January 2022, the PERCEPTIONS web platform was launched. This platform is directed to two target groups, namely policymakers as well as first-line practitioners working with migrants. It provides both groups with key outputs of the PERCEPTIONS project in the form of articles summarising main project findings, policy briefs, tools such as the PERCEPTIONS Handbook, and creative materials, as well as external resources which include a social media dashboard. Developed by SYNYO, the web platform is currently tested and validated with the end-user groups to identify further needs for development and improvement.

Creative awareness materials for first-line practitioners, local community activists and migration organisations

PERCEPTIONS partners have designed a creative framework for materials and services for first-line practitioners, civil society organisations, local community activists and migrant organisations. Within this framework, creative awareness materials are shaped, building on the findings of the baseline and empirical research conducted in the course of the project. These findings outline migrant perceptions of Europe, information channels used to transmit narratives, the role of media and technologies in shaping migrant perceptions and decision-making, and links between narratives and threats to both hosts and migrants. Bringing together creative approaches and existing good practices, the creative awareness materials offer potential solutions to addressing mismatches between migrants’ expectations and realities of journeying to the EU, as well as reconciling conflicting narratives about the effects (such as threats, insecurities) created by migration on host countries and itinerant people themselves.

In the form of case studies, partners have developed the following approaches under the umbrella of ‘re-energising good practices’, ‘Encouraging experimentation to avoid routinisation of approaches’, and ‘Re-envisaging the ‘narrative’ and ‘perception’ as key terms in the PERCEPTIONS project’:

Expressing migration through dance;
‘Locked out of Lockdown’: COVID-19 and Its Effects on Migration Narratives, Migrant Realities and Institutional Responses;
Visualising Migration Through Drawing & Collage;
Developing Twitter bot to disseminate information, encourage debate and share research findings and resources;
Imagining PERCEPTIONS findings through an engagement with film: DYSTOPIA
E.D. (Reframing the European Dream) Carpet.

Translating research into action

PERCEPTIONS partners have conducted baseline and empirical research, as well as social media analyses, offering comprehensive and relevant insights into the effects of perceptions and narratives on migrants. With the aim of fostering knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and building research and innovation partnerships between the participants of the project and beyond to develop academic and innovation capacity for long-term sustainable growth, PERCEPTIONS is producing policy briefs since March 2022.

To widen the impact, together with nine other EU-funded research projects, PERCEPTIONS has organised a joint policy roundtable to bring together researchers, practitioners, journalists, and policy-makers to discuss the potential of re-interpreting existing narratives, to present good practices resulting from the ongoing projects, and to inform political decision-making processes. This event offered a rare opportunity to engage with various researchers and practitioners from 34 countries including 21 EU countries, representing a total of 135 institutions.

A summary of the event, recordings and further information is provided online: https://inclusive-europe.com/

In addition, PERCEPTIONS partners will be presenting relevant insights at conferences such as IMISOCE Conference 2022 and St Andrews University 3rd International Conference on Migration and Mobilities. Furthermore, a black and white feature-length film, set in Valencia, Spain, is in progress. Directed by Samuel Sebastian in collaboration with the PERCEPTIONS team at Swansea University, the film draws on PERCEPTIONS research. The film focuses on SPAIN, a homeless migrant and the film’s main protagonist. “Spain is different”, reads the text on her t-shirt; however, she speaks a different language (Lingala), has uncertain legal status and precarious financial standing. During her encounters in Valencia, the feelings of invisibility, disorientation, and fear accompany her.

Links

https://www.perceptions.eu/

https://inclusive-europe.com/

Keywords

Perceptions, narratives, first-line practitioners, migration, platform

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PERCEPTIONS: First insights into first-line practitioners’ perspectives on migration to the EU published

SYNYO — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 17:05:25 +0000

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS: First insights into first-line practitioners’ perspectives on migration to the EU published

The PERCEPTIONS partners have completed their first iteration of fieldwork with migrants, first-line practitioners, and policymakers regarding the impact of perceptions of Europe on migration decisions. First results have been published in a report. Complementing the fieldwork, an analysis of narratives shared via social media and traditional mass media is in progress.

Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the PERCEPTIONS partners have successfully completed fieldwork with migrants and experts (policymakers, first-line practitioners, and decision-makers in CSOs and NGOs). Aiming to gain insights on the formation of perceptions, the transmission of narratives through different channels, and intersecting aspects of individual and societal security, both qualitative and quantitative research has been conducted.

A stakeholder survey with a total of 788 responses, 100 interviews with migrants and refugees, 71 interviews with practitioners and Law Enforcement Agents (LEAs), and 188 interviews with policymakers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) were carried out, resulting in a rich database for the project. The fieldwork covers multiple countries across Europe and Africa.

In parallel to this, the consortium has started an analysis of social media and mass media, aiming to gain insights into how narratives are created online, how they are disseminated via different channels, and what role different actors play within a network of actors.

Migration to the EU: a survey of first-line practitioners’ perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic A report published on the PERCEPTIONS website presents main insights of a survey with first-line practitioners, conducted between October and December 2020 [1]. Identified as an understudied group in migration-related research [2], this report addresses the gap in the state of the art.

The survey explored the perceptions of Europe that first-line practitioners observe among migrants. Furthermore, it tackles the question how practitioners believe inaccurate information may influence migration, and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their work. Among other things, we found that first-line practitioners overwhelmingly considered external factors such as violence, political situation, or different levels of opportunity, as well as negative conditions in the country of origin, to be the main drivers of migration. Practitioners from transit countries such as Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia consider person-specific threats in the country of origin to be especially important in motivating migration. Furthermore, practitioners agreed that migrants have, in general, a positive idea of Europe. This idea, practitioners also agree, is moderately correct. Overall, practitioners believed that migrants who took decisions based on inaccurate information are more likely to encounter threats such as use of dangerous routes or human smugglers, yet they are not likely to pose a threat to host societies, e.g. via crime or radicalisation.

The highlights of the survey can be found in the report published online.

PERCEPTIONS at international conferences & events

PERCEPTIONS partners have presented relevant outcomes of their research in multiple events, including the following:

ACM CHI Virtual Conference on Human Factors in Information Systems. At the 2021 ACM CHI Virtual Conference on Human Factors in Information Systems which took place from 7 to 13 May 2021, members of the University of Northumbria at Newcastle presented the research and studies conducted in the PERCEPTIONS project;
IMISCOE Annual Conference. At the IMISCOE Annual Conference in July 2021, PERCEPTIONS partners organised two panels focused on migrants’ perceptions of the EU – Imaginary, political and symbolic management across Europe and beyond. At the conference, partners explored the link between migration and culture by asking how migration is experienced, mediated and reflected in general and through daily cultural, linguistic and artistic activities;
European Sociological Association (ESA) Conference. The annual ESA conference, held online from 31 August to 3 September 2021, was aimed at disseminating the Italian results of the T3.2 survey conducted by the University of Bologna. The perceptions of 120 Italian front-line operators on the impact of COVID-19 on their work and on the lives of migrants were discussed to highlight some of the paradoxes of the Italy Relaunch Decree, which set out the regularization of migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic;
European Researchers’ Night. During the European Researchers’ Night on 24 September 2021, researchers at the University of Granada presented their latest results of the work they are conducting for the PERCEPTIONS project. In the context of the city of Melilla in Spain, the team from the University of Granada had the opportunity to raise awareness among university students and professors on issues relating to immigration and the perception of Europe in foreign countries.

References

[1] García-Carmona, M., García-Quero, F., Guardiola, J., Moya Fernández, P., Ollero Perán, J., Edwards, J., and Whitworth, B. (2021) Migration to the EU: a survey of first line practitioners’ perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. PERCEPTIONS project (Grant Agreement No 833870). Available online.

[2] Bayerl, S., Pannocchia, D., & Hough, K. (2019). Secondary analysis of studies, projects, and narratives. Deliverable D2.2. PERCEPTIONS project No. 833870. Available online.

Links

https://project.perceptions.eu/

Keywords

Perceptions, narratives, migration, imaginaries, Europe, EU, migrants, practitioners, policymakers, conference

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PERCEPTIONS: Interviews and focus groups with migrants and practitioners in 14 countries started

SYNYO — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 07:11:47 +0000

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS: Interviews and focus groups with migrants and practitioners in 14 countries started

The empirical fieldwork with migrants and experts (policymakers, first-line practitioners, and decision-makers in CSOs and NGOs) has started after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key outcomes and insights of PERCEPTIONS’ desk-based research have been summarized in a brochure reporting on narratives and approaches to migration.

The empirical fieldwork with migrants and experts (policymakers, first-line practitioners, and decision-makers in CSOs and NGOs) has started after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to answer additional ethics requirements. A survey across Europe has been carried out and analysed. Currently ongoing is the qualitative fieldwork with migrants and practitioners in 14 countries. It will shed light on the formation of perceptions, transmission of narratives through various channels, and intersecting aspects of individual and societal security. It will also allow us to gain insights from stakeholders and their understanding of “perceptions” and the role of social media in migration decision making, how threats linked with perceptions affect policymaking, among other topics.

Since February 2021, qualitative interviews with migrants and practitioners are being held and will continue to take place throughout the month of March. They will collect the results of approximately 100 interviews with practitioners, migrants, and refugees in twelve different countries in and outside of Europe. The analysis of the content will grant us a clear insight the impact of migrants’ perceptions on migration decisions and the overall migration process.

In parallel, partners carry out focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with policymakers and civil society organizations at the national and local levels in 13 countries. The task aims to gain insights from stakeholders and their understanding of “perceptions” and the role of social media in migration decision making, how threats linked with perceptions affect policymaking, among other topics. Currently, interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders have been conducted in Belgium, Bulgaria, and the UK, with interviews in other countries underway.

Migration to the EU: A Review of Narratives and Approaches

Key outcomes and insights of PERCEPTIONS’ desk-based research have been summarized in a brochure, available for download online. It introduces current knowledge on migration narratives about the EU and approaches to migration. Mapping the landscape of narratives on migration and Europe, it provides a basis to understand migration flows and decisions as well as migration-related policies, perceived threats, and best practices to address migration challenges on local, national and international levels. The brochure also presents recommendations including migration terminology and filling research gaps such as eliciting the hidden voices of practitioners and certain categories of migrants (women, unaccompanied minors, LGBTQ+ refugees). Narratives by migrants indicate that decisions about destinations, routes and modalities tend to be strategic. For instance, countries may be chosen because they provide future prospects for family members or because of laws that offer more protection from religious-based violence or of LGBTQ+ rights. Knowledge about pull factors often seems to be formed through stories told by other migrants or by first-hand experiences, when people return for visits in their home communities. However, while pull (and push) factors have an influence on decisions where to go, the actual route and destination are not always up to the migrants. Often migrants are limited by external circumstances (political, legal, etc.), meaning that expectations clash with the experienced realities.

Periodic review of the PERCEPTIONS project

In January 2021, the PERCEPTIONS project has presented its progress and activities, as well as main accomplishments, to the experts assigned to evaluate the project. With a focus on the empirical research – the fieldwork with migrants and experts, as well as the analysis of traditional mass media and social media – the fruitful discussions provided input and feedback to the planned and conducted activities.

With the experts’ detailed and helpful feedback and input, PERCEPTIONS starts into the second project period, launching its fieldwork with migrants and experts.

Links

https://project.perceptions.eu/

https://project.perceptions.eu/2020/10/22/launch-of-practitioners-survey/

https://project.perceptions.eu/2021/01/28/periodic-review/

https://project.perceptions.eu/2021/03/12/perceptions-fieldwork-underway/

PERCEPTIONS Brochure: https://project.perceptions.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2021/01/PERCEPTIONS-Brochure-A-Review-of-Narratives-and-Approaches.pdf

Keywords

Perceptions, narratives, migrants, practitioners, fieldwork, social science, research

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PERCEPTIONS: Start of the empirical research: survey with practitioners across and beyond Europe

SYNYO — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:50:27 +0000

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS: Start of the empirical research: survey with practitioners across and beyond Europe

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the project on several levels, PERCEPTIONS research continues to be highly productive. The project’s multi-perspective study design has been adapted to the pandemic situation, additional ethics requirements have been addressed, and the fieldwork has been prepared. Experts provided the consortium with input at the technical review in May 2020.

For PERCEPTIONS Fieldwork, a multi-perspective study design has been defined, specifying research in the 14 research sites in and beyond the European Union. However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, PERCEPTIONS fieldwork has faced delays. The multi-perspective study design has been adapted accordingly. Furthermore, additional ethics guidelines addressing new requirements due to the changes in fieldwork caused by the pandemic has been defined.

The empirical research will be kicked off by a quantitative survey with practitioners working in the field of migration – policymakers, first-line practitioners, and decision-makers in CSOs and NGOs – across and beyond Europe. Aimed at first-line practitioners of all sectors, from migrant advocacy organisations to border security experts, the survey will be distributed in 14 countries and 11 languages. Aim is to explore perceptions of Europe that these first-line practitioners observe among migrants, how inaccurate information may influence migration in their perception, and the impacts of COVID-19 on the field of migration-related work.

Results from the survey will inform a second iteration later in the project. The results of the first iteration will provide insights into perceptions among migrants and practitioners that will be further explored in interviews and focus groups in the next steps of the fieldwork. With the information gathered across this spectrum of empirical research, PERCEPTIONS will create toolkits and innovative measures to support both migrants and professionals working in the field of migration. The second iteration will focus on best-practice measures and strategies among the same diverse range of first-line practitioners.

How to keep a consortium engaged during a pandemic: Coffee & Reading Meetings

With all face-to-face meetings put on hold for the foreseeable future, the PERCEPTIONS consortium found another way to stay in touch and keep motivation levels high, beyond consortium and work package calls: online Coffee & Reading Meetings. Organised by Swansea University, partners meet regularly with a cup of coffee or tea to discuss relevant research papers, disagree about definitions and learn from each other.

Technical review of the PERCEPTIONS project

Together with experts and members of Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG Home), i.e., the DG for Migration and Home Affairs, FRONTEX and the Research Executive Agency (REA), the consortium presented PERCEPTIONS’ main accomplishments and activities. Further part of the discussion were research-ethical issues, such as anonymity, confidentiality, privacy, data protection, ethics consideration and mitigation measures.

PERCEPTIONS aims to identify narratives, images and perceptions of the EU abroad and to identify how they could influence migration and, possibly, cause threats to both migrants and national security. As such, both qualitative and quantitative empirical research are an inherent part of our project. This includes fieldwork with migrants and experts, as well as an analysis of social media and traditional mass media.

In this context, protection of personal data of the participants involved by the project is of concern, regardless of the country in which the research is put forward. To address the legal and ethical issues associated with the project, the consortium emphasises the importance to ensure privacy and safety to the individuals involved. This includes research ethics such as specific informed consent procedures and a policy for dealing with unintended research findings, as well as considerations during the dissemination of results, taking into consideration possible negative consequences on participants, as stigmatisation, discrimination or intimidation.

The technical review has provided the Consortium with input and constructive feedback on how the project complies with ethical standards and guidelines of the European Union related to privacy and data protection.

Links

http://project.perceptions.eu/

Keywords

Perceptions, narratives, migration, research, fieldwork, survey, interviews, social media analysis, ethics, review

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PERCEPTIONS: Understanding research on migration narratives and the role of perceptions in migration policies

SYNYO — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 07:15:49 +0000

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS: Understanding research on migration narratives and the role of perceptions in migration policies

What has current research found out about migration narratives – and which questions are yet to be answered? To answer these questions, the PERCEPTIONS project has started with an analysis of the state of the art in academic research. Furthermore, the project analyses the relationship between migration policies and migrants’ perceptions of the EU. The project has also started its outreach and communication activities, participating at the first ‘project to policy kick-off seminar’ organised by the European Commission.

In its first phase, the PERCEPTIONS project has put its focus on analysing the state of the art, in alignment with the project’s first objective “Research the body of scientific literature on the creation and the distribution of place-related narratives”. As such, the consortium is now exploring the current knowledge on narratives in the context of migration in academic literature. The literature review focuses in particular on examining migrants’ perceptions of the EU as a suitable migration destination and host societies’ perceptions of migration. It further explores how such information and narratives are distributed via disparate channels such as social, digital and mainstream media. Furthermore, partners analysing current migration policies aiming to understand different approaches to policy making in relation to countering and preventing threats linked to migration behaviour. The research activities further summarise current approaches to migration and explores current and best practices in migration policies.

PERCEPTIONS at the first Project to Policy Kick-off Seminar

On 31 January 2020, SYNYO as the PERCEPTIONS project coordinator participated in the first ‘project to policy kick off seminar’, an event organised by the European Commission’s Research Executive Agency (REA), Directorate‑General Migration and Home Affairs (DG Home), and Directorate‑General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG Connect).

The event had the aim to bring together Horizon 2020-funded projects and policy makers to ensure uptake of results and build long-lasting relationships between researchers and policy makers for their mutual benefit. This specifically included projects funded under H2020’s Societal Challenge 7, i.e. Secure societies – protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens, carrying out research in areas such as digital security, border management, crime and terrorism. In an interactive setting, this allowed projects to better understand the EU policy landscape, while EC policy officers got first-hand insights into projects in their respective policy area.

Launch of the project’s Social Media channels

Parallel to its research activities, the PERCEPTIONS project has kicked-off its social media communication, in line with the stakeholder engagement and dissemination strategy of the project. The consortium provides relevant information, news and research insights via its Twitter page, on Facebook, as well as on LinkedIn. This complements the project’s website and newsletter.

Links

https://project.perceptions.eu/

https://twitter.com/PERCEPTIONS_EU

https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsproject/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/perceptionsproject/

Keywords

Perceptions, narratives, migration, migrants, policy

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Start of the H2020 project PERCEPTIONS – Understanding the Impact of New Technologies and Social Media on Perceptions of Europe in Countries Abroad

SYNYO — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 10:08:13 +0000

Start of the H2020 project PERCEPTIONS

Understanding the Impact of New Technologies and Social Media on Perceptions of Europe in Countries Abroad

“In recent years, migration has been a persistent topic of political discussions in Europe. But what are the relevant factors shaping migration? One answer are the constructed narratives and perceptions on a given country. These narratives and perceptions affect destination preferences since they have a powerful influence on how a country of destination is perceived and they transport social as well as individual experiences, hopes and expectations. In the context of migration, they often support collective sense-making of what it means to be a migrant, and they also create beliefs about the possibilities to integrate into a new society or the potential for return. PERCEPTIONS investigates different perceptions and images of the EU to understand how they influence the migration process – and how they could lead to threats and security issues.

PERCEPTIONS is a three-year EU-funded project and brings together an inter- and multidisciplinary consortium of 25 partners from twelve European and three non-European countries. It is the project’s aim to identify the different narratives, images and perceptions of (life in) Europe and the EU, and to study their role in individuals’ decision to migrate to Europe. We consider migration in the broadest sense (i.e. across all potential reasons and motivations) to obtain a better picture where stories about migration to the EU originate, how various types of stories (e.g. about forced vs. economic migration) interconnect, and how they transform over time and with experience. The project also aims to identify the channels in which such narratives and images are spread, including traditional and social media, and the actors who tell these stories – and to whom, with what purpose and with what impact. Therefore, the project will focus on the role of social media in this process, and what kind of images and ideas are transported via different channels. Furthermore, we want to understand how different narratives could lead to problems, false expectations, security threats or even radicalisation.

A series of policies responded to the so-called ‘migration crisis’, based on assumptions about the factors influencing migration. PERCEPTIONS will create evidence-based toolkits of creative and innovative measures for policymakers to react or counteract on different perceptions, considering social, societal and structural aspects. PERCEPTIONS also aims to support first-line practitioners, as well as migrants, and to protect (potential) migrants by creating trusted communication contents and communication channels and by counter-manding “false” and dangerous narratives that may lead to the exploitation of vulnerable groups. The created materials will be published on the PERCEPTIONS web platform.

Project details at a glance

Title	Understand the Impact of Novel Technologies, Social Media, and Perceptions in Countries Abroad on Migration Flows and the Security of the EU & Provide Validated Counter Approaches, Tools and Practices
Coordinator	SYNYO GmbH
No.	833870
Start date	01.09.2019
Duration	36 months

Contact information
Website	https://project.perceptions.eu/
Email	office@perceptions.eu
Twitter	https://twitter.com/PERCEPTIONS_EU