Successful Completion of the Research on the Digital Transformation of the Slovenian Diaspora in the USA and Canada

Last year, the CRP project titled “Digital Transformation of the Slovenian Diaspora in the USA and Canada” was successfully completed at the ASEF Institute. The main goal of the project was to explore the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and digitalization within the Slovenian diaspora in the USA and Canada.

As part of the project, a final report was prepared, containing the key findings of the research. The report significantly contributes to the understanding of the current state and impact of digital tools on promoting the activities of Slovenian diaspora communities in the aforementioned countries. It also explains the factors that strengthen or weaken these activities and suggests opportunities for the digitalization of cultural heritage.

A comprehensive inventory of Slovenian organizations in the USA and Canada was conducted, along with an analysis of their visibility and activity in the virtual environment. A total of 497 Slovenian organizations operating in the USA and Canada were identified, making this the most comprehensive list currently available.

Dr. Dejan Valentinčič, the project leader and head of the Center for Social Research at the ASEF Institute, commented on the publication of the report:

“The findings show that these organizations actively use modern information technologies and maintain an online presence. It is encouraging to note that they place significant importance on preserving cultural heritage and express a desire for its digitalization. There is strong interest in potential support from Slovenian official institutions to establish collaboration on the digitalization of archives. This would enable both their long-term preservation and easier accessibility from all parts of the world, including Slovenia.”

Reserchers of the project: dr. Željko Oset, Barbara Zagorc, Kaja Cunk, and Stela Kocbek.

The project no. V5-2277 was co-financed by the The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency and the Ministry of Digital Transformation during the period from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2024.