How do digital nomads affect local socio-economic (cultural) development? A literature review

Introduction: Until 2019, remote working was limited to a small proportion of the workforce, mainly in the technology and information sectors. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital nomadism, expanding remote work opportunities and increasing demand for destinations with strong technolo...

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Main Authors: Maria Carlos Lopes, Eduardo Pinheiro, Ana Guia, Miguel Mota
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Instituto Politécnico de Viseu 2025-06-01
Series:Millenium
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Online Access:https://revistas.rcaap.pt/millenium/article/view/41164
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author Maria Carlos Lopes
Eduardo Pinheiro
Ana Guia
Miguel Mota
author_facet Maria Carlos Lopes
Eduardo Pinheiro
Ana Guia
Miguel Mota
author_sort Maria Carlos Lopes
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Until 2019, remote working was limited to a small proportion of the workforce, mainly in the technology and information sectors. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital nomadism, expanding remote work opportunities and increasing demand for destinations with strong technological infrastructure and high quality of life. Objective The main goal of this study is to examine the opportunities and challenges of the phenomenon, exploring the multidimensional impact of digital nomadism on social, cultural, and economic factors. The significance of this research lies in the need to understand how digital nomadism influences and reshapes host communities' social and economic structures. Methods: Grounded on Putnam's (2000) social capital theory, this study adopts a Narrative Literature Review (NLR) to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on digital nomadism's sociocultural and economic impacts across different regions. The review synthesizes existing research in complex areas, enabling critical analysis and the identification of future research directions. Results: This global trend reshapes work, mobility, and lifestyles, with digital nomads influencing social, cultural, and economic dynamics. While they contribute to local economies and knowledge transfer, they pose challenges like Gentrification and rising housing costs. Conclusion: Digital nomadism drives cultural exchange and economic growth and fuels Gentrification and social tensions. While nomads boost local economies and innovation, they strain infrastructure and widen income disparities. With millennials and Gen Z leading this trend, effective policies are needed to balance the benefits and challenges.
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spelling doaj-art-adab1f243b2741caaec7e32a79b976812025-08-20T02:33:35ZengInstituto Politécnico de ViseuMillenium0873-30151647-662X2025-06-01219e10.29352/mill0219e.41164How do digital nomads affect local socio-economic (cultural) development? A literature review Maria Carlos Lopes0Eduardo Pinheiro1Ana Guia2Miguel Mota3Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal | CITUR - Centro de Investigação, Desenvolvimento e Inovação em Turismo, Faro, PortugalInstituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal | CITeD - Centro de Investigação Transdisciplinar em Educação e Desenvolvimento, Bragança, PortugalInstituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal | CERNAS - Centro de Estudos de Recursos Naturais, Ambiente e Sociedade, Viseu, PortugalInstituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal | CERNAS - Centro de Estudos de Recursos Naturais, Ambiente e Sociedade, Viseu, Portugal Introduction: Until 2019, remote working was limited to a small proportion of the workforce, mainly in the technology and information sectors. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital nomadism, expanding remote work opportunities and increasing demand for destinations with strong technological infrastructure and high quality of life. Objective The main goal of this study is to examine the opportunities and challenges of the phenomenon, exploring the multidimensional impact of digital nomadism on social, cultural, and economic factors. The significance of this research lies in the need to understand how digital nomadism influences and reshapes host communities' social and economic structures. Methods: Grounded on Putnam's (2000) social capital theory, this study adopts a Narrative Literature Review (NLR) to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on digital nomadism's sociocultural and economic impacts across different regions. The review synthesizes existing research in complex areas, enabling critical analysis and the identification of future research directions. Results: This global trend reshapes work, mobility, and lifestyles, with digital nomads influencing social, cultural, and economic dynamics. While they contribute to local economies and knowledge transfer, they pose challenges like Gentrification and rising housing costs. Conclusion: Digital nomadism drives cultural exchange and economic growth and fuels Gentrification and social tensions. While nomads boost local economies and innovation, they strain infrastructure and widen income disparities. With millennials and Gen Z leading this trend, effective policies are needed to balance the benefits and challenges. https://revistas.rcaap.pt/millenium/article/view/41164digital nomads; local development; social impact; cultural impact; economic impact
spellingShingle Maria Carlos Lopes
Eduardo Pinheiro
Ana Guia
Miguel Mota
How do digital nomads affect local socio-economic (cultural) development? A literature review
Millenium
digital nomads; local development; social impact; cultural impact; economic impact
title How do digital nomads affect local socio-economic (cultural) development? A literature review
title_full How do digital nomads affect local socio-economic (cultural) development? A literature review
title_fullStr How do digital nomads affect local socio-economic (cultural) development? A literature review
title_full_unstemmed How do digital nomads affect local socio-economic (cultural) development? A literature review
title_short How do digital nomads affect local socio-economic (cultural) development? A literature review
title_sort how do digital nomads affect local socio economic cultural development a literature review
topic digital nomads; local development; social impact; cultural impact; economic impact
url https://revistas.rcaap.pt/millenium/article/view/41164
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