Interconnectivity, new media and digital identity in regional science

Abstract

This paper proposes a comprehensive conceptual approach to interconnectivity, new media and digital identity in order to research locality of interest within the framework of social science. The goal is to present the trends and sources of overlapping subjects, to enhance basic research concepts and to investigate core phenomena.

In our conclusion we provide an overview of the major constituents of interconnectivity and those of digital ecosystems relating to key concepts of a networking society. The trends of current new media resources, including augmented and virtualised environments with trending formats of development in a geospatial context from augmentation to remote-controlled services are briefly discussed. The regional and local choices for research concerning digital identity are defined according to those subjects, with special foci on geo-social media and on contextual online embeddedness.

In addition to the discussion of basic research concepts and an overview of what has been trending, the study makes topical and methodological recommendations for future empirical research.

We generally recommend a hybrid research design for regional science when dealing with new technologies, especially the digital revolution. Mapping physical networks and penetration rates are the first steps to understanding online competitiveness. We propose that management or administrative inquiry into economic and social interconnectivity is to be measured (a) via the selection of nodes in online networks focusing on digital identities and (b) via big-data analytics based on online databases with automated or partly manual analytics. Online topology and content analysis are also essential as they focus rather on volume, relations and flows than on strict sampling and data sets. The schematic or modelling illustrations with topologies, static or dynamic visual tools from infographics to real time migration maps can generate the data-driven support of decision making in marketing.

The phenomenon of new media suggests further analysis using digital tool and content systems as engines in interconnectivity. Top-down communication via conservative and internet-based regional mass media and institutions, and bottom-up communication by collective or individual users via social/forum/blog media platforms provide clues to research on hidden trends. Measuring and monitoring political, economic, cultural, religious and opinion leader activities as well as educational, traditional, historic and natural values are preserved in different types of online representations. Digital identities are embedded in representation structures and also in interconnectivity. Their roles, identification and impacts provide an explanation of workflow in regional and local contexts. On the other hand, inactivity, hidden contents or anonymity are most probably relevant characteristics from a different perspective.

Finally, we may need to set up “a map of digital trends” consisting of test units for the superimposition of real (time) results. With this test method, multi-dimensional research with marketing-decision enhancement becomes available in a socio-economic context for regional science.