Digital transformation in research: Guidelines for data collection & interpretation in the online environment

Aims of the tool

It offers practical guidance on integrating AI tools into research processes and adapting traditional methods to digital environments.

Description of the tool

Digital transformation is a dynamic and multi-faceted process that integrates digital technologies into social, economic, and cultural processes. In the European youth field, digital transformation is understood as an inclusive, multi-stakeholder initiative co-designed and implemented with young people, youth workers, and other stakeholders. It changes the way most areas of youth work operate by transforming traditional, non-digital processes into digital ones (e.g., transitioning to paperless processes) and shaping cultural and social norms (e.g., how digital tools influence communication and participation).

In the context of research, digital transformation plays a crucial role in improving data collection and interpretation. It provides opportunities to adopt innovative tools and methods, enabling more efficient, inclusive, and meaningful engagement in online environments. However, it also presents challenges, such as ensuring equitable access to technology, maintaining ethical standards, and supporting digital literacy among all stakeholders.

This document is designed for youth workers, project managers, researchers, and other stakeholders in youth work who aim to enhance their data collection and interpretation methods using digital tools. It offers practical guidance on integrating AI tools into research processes and adapting traditional methods to digital environments.

This output was inspired by the GEYC participation in the first RAY Thematic Seminar, “How to use research data for programme implementation,” held from June 11th to 13th, 2025, in Bratislava, Slovakia. The seminar, co-hosted by National Agencies of the European Youth Programmes from Slovakia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, and Romania, and coordinated by the RAY Network, aimed to explore the integration of data and evidence-based research into European youth programmes. The guidelines is published under the Erasmus+ Youth Accreditation project 2024-1-RO01-KA151-YOU-000208961, contributing to system development and outreach activities while building the capacity of the GEYC team.