In a world marked by unprecedented displacement, the integration of refugees and displaced professionals into local economies is both a humanitarian imperative and a strategic opportunity for host countries. Digital business transformation, powered by Publicis Sapient’s SPEED capabilities—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI—offers a pathway to accelerate economic recovery, foster social cohesion, and unlock the potential of diverse talent pools.
The journey from displacement to integration is fraught with challenges, from disrupted careers and language barriers to the need for emotional and community support. Publicis Sapient’s holistic approach, exemplified by initiatives like the ‘Bridge To Next’ program, demonstrates how digital transformation can address these challenges at scale. By offering remote work opportunities, visa and relocation support, digital skills training, and access to community resources, digital business transformation becomes a catalyst for both individual empowerment and broader economic resilience.
Launched in response to the war in Ukraine, Bridge To Next provides a blueprint for integrating displaced tech and consulting talent into new markets. The program goes beyond job placement, offering:
The story of Alina Kapshyk, a Ukrainian business analyst who rebuilt her career in Poland with the support of Publicis Sapient, illustrates the transformative impact of this approach. By combining digital infrastructure with human-centered support, displaced professionals are empowered not just to survive, but to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their host economies.
Digital business transformation is underpinned by continuous learning and upskilling. Publicis Sapient’s global delivery model, with talent hubs across India, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, demonstrates how digital skills training can be scaled to reach diverse populations—including refugees and displaced professionals. By investing in digital literacy, cloud engineering, data analytics, and AI, host countries can tap into a rich reservoir of skills that drive innovation and economic growth.
The shift to remote and distributed work, accelerated by the pandemic, has redefined what is possible for workforce integration. Publicis Sapient’s flexible Globally Distributed Delivery (GDD) model enables organizations to reach talent wherever they are, breaking down geographic and logistical barriers. For refugees and displaced professionals, this means:
Integration is not just about employment—it’s about belonging. Publicis Sapient’s approach includes:
These elements are critical for building trust, reducing social friction, and ensuring that economic recovery is inclusive and sustainable.
As host countries and organizations look beyond immediate crisis response, digital business transformation offers a roadmap for inclusive growth. By harnessing the power of technology, data, and human-centered design, we can create pathways for refugees and displaced professionals to rebuild their lives, contribute to local economies, and enrich the social fabric of their new communities.
Publicis Sapient stands at the forefront of this movement, partnering with governments, NGOs, and businesses to reimagine what is possible when digital transformation is aligned with social impact. Together, we can turn the challenge of displacement into an opportunity for shared prosperity and resilience.