Dr. Selçuk Turan, an academic from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, carried out a Short-Term Scientific Mission at the Institute of Sociology, Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, in Vilnius between August 24 and 30, 2025. The mission was supervised by the institute’s researcher, Dr. Sarmitė Mikulionienė.
During the mission, Dr. Turan conducted research entitled “Older Workers’ Experiences of Digital Exclusion and Inequality in Higher Education: A Comparative Study of Türkiye and Lithuania”. This research investigated the impact of digitalization on older workers in higher education, focusing on their access to digital skills, workplace opportunities, and social inclusion. By comparing the cases of Turkey and Lithuania, it aimed to develop policy recommendations and actionable strategies to reduce digital inequalities.
As noted by Dr. Sarmitė Mikulionienė, the mission supervisor, the sudden development of digital technologies in higher education institutions can raise many questions and negative experiences for the older generation. The fear of change in general and technology in particular, insufficient attention from the administration to the acquisition/strengthening of digital skills, and the unfavorable attitude of teachers towards lifelong learning can turn into an adaptation challenge for older employees. According to Dr. Mikulionienė, these factors may lead to the loss of valuable experience and knowledge, reduced productivity, and a negative work environment. It is important that we address these issues to prevent these potential consequences.
Through collaborative meetings, literature reviews, methodological discussions, and summaries of research results, the mission contributed to advancing the objectives of Working Group 2 of the COST programme “Work Inequalities in Later Life Redefined by Digitalization (DIGI-net)”. The visit also strengthened academic cooperation between Turkish and Lithuanian researchers, laying the groundwork for future joint research on digital transformation and the inclusion of workers.
