As part of the COST Action CA21118 “P-WILL: Platform Work Inclusion Living Lab”, Amela Kurta from the Centre for Development Evaluation and Social Science Research (CREDI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina recently completed a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. The visit, held from 16 to 20 June 2025, aimed to strengthen comparative research on platform work, deepen international collaboration, and lay the groundwork for joint initiatives between Spain and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the visit, Amela engaged in intensive knowledge exchange with the Fairwork Spain research team, participating in group and individual meetings to share research findings, discuss methodological approaches, and reflect on the challenges facing platform workers in both countries. The discussions offered valuable insights into Spain’s experience with platform labour regulation and its potential relevance for the Bosnian context, especially considering EU accession processes.
One of the key outcomes of the visit was the development of plans for joint academic publications addressing regulatory frameworks, business practices, and worker conditions in the platform economy. Additionally, the collaborators-initiated work on a comparative study focusing on the gendered aspects of platform work in the care and domestic work sectors, where informality and precarious working arrangements particularly affect women.
Beyond these research outputs, the visit provided an opportunity to learn from Spain’s experience in advocacy and policy reform efforts aimed at improving the rights and conditions of platform workers. Discussions on coalition-building strategies and stakeholder engagement offered valuable lessons for similar advocacy work in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The STSM successfully advanced the objectives of the P-WILL Action by promoting interdisciplinary exchange, building research capacities, and supporting transnational collaboration aimed at fostering fair and inclusive platform work.
CREDI and Amela Kurta express sincere appreciation to the COST and the P-WILL COST Action for supporting this visit and enabling meaningful professional exchange and collaboration.
Author: Amela Kurta
Affiliation: Centre for Development Evaluation and Social Science Research (CREDI), Bosnia and Herzegovina