Abstract:

Presented by Tanja Kimova, Head of Evidence Continental Europe, Verian Group, Belgium

Cross-national research is evolving rapidly, driven by methodological advancements, digital transformation, and the increasing need to safeguard data provenance and secure high-quality, comparative social data. Innovations in survey methodology, including hyper-mixed mode designs, online probability-based sampling, and AI-driven data validation, are reshaping how researchers gather and interpret cross-country evidence.

Literature reviews highlight the impact of automation, large language models (LLMs), and adaptive survey techniques in enhancing data accuracy and respondent engagement. Additionally, new approaches to harmonisation and bias mitigation ensure greater comparability across diverse national contexts. Experimental research embedded within large-scale surveys provides insights into overcoming non-response bias, optimising response rates, and integrating external data sources to enrich traditional social research methods.

As demand for robust, policy-relevant evidence grows, the fusion of technology, methodological rigor, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be key to future-proofing cross-national research, ensuring its continued relevance and reliability in an increasingly complex global landscape.