Socioeconomic (Re)Integration Toolkit for Governments in South America

Elements of Innovation

• Data, Research and Technology
• Social Cohesion and Community Participation
• Diversity, Gender and Inclusion

What is the project about?

Amidst pre-existing socioeconomic challenges in South America, a vital intervention addressing the needs of migrants, returnees, and host communities following the COVID-19 outbreak emerged as imperative. The region witnessed a dual movement: migrants returning home due to economic difficulties whilst others simultaneously departing for the same reasons.

To effectively aid South American governments in bolstering socioeconomic recovery post-pandemic, this project proposed a comprehensive toolkit for government officials, to facilitate the successful (re)integration of migrants and returnees into national economies, thereby empowering these individuals as catalysts for sustainable development, particularly in the post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. This endeavor involved two pivotal components: first, conducting a gender-sensitive rapid evidence assessment to construct a solid evidence base for toolkit development and implementation; and second, piloting the toolkit and formulating national implementation strategies for socioeconomic (re)integration across pilot countries.

How is the project innovative?

This project introduces an innovative paradigm by integrating data, analysis, technology, and research to strengthen socioeconomic recovery strategies within the region. Through an integrative approach, it envisioned the development of a pioneering socioeconomic integration toolkit inclusive of cutting-edge data collection techniques, comprehensive databases, and analytical frameworks, along with advanced technological solutions.

The project’s innovation extends further, by fostering partnerships with private sector entities and academia, thus leveraging on state-of-the-art data innovation practices for better migration management strategies. Foresight, scenario building, and horizon scanning techniques enhanced the project's innovative element, enabling a proactive response to emerging trends and challenges in migration and mobility. By aligning advanced data-driven decision-making processes with comprehensive socio-economic (re)integration