The Impact of Digital Platforms on Social Science Research: Managing Data Communication and Collaboration Across Disciplines

Abstract

Digital spaces (e.g., collaborative tools (e.g. Slack, Teams), open data repositories, and cloud-based analysis services) have radically transformed social science research, enabling interdisciplinary communication, data sharing, and collaborative knowledge production. The paper will explore the role of these platforms in shaping research practices with reference to three major functions, including: seamless data exchange, real-time collaboration and cross-disciplinary integration of methods. Based on secondary qualitative research using peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and practitioner case studies on the adoption of researchers, data governance issues, and innovation dynamics published in 2020-2024, the analysis examines the trends in the researcher adoption, data governance issues, and innovation dynamics. The results point to the ability of digital tools to decrease data silos, hasten cross-institutional collaboration and add value to mixed-methods research processes. Nevertheless, issues still remain in the management of privacy, disciplinary jargon, interoperability, and training of researchers. The article suggests a holistic data and collaboration management framework that seeks to balance the technical capability and sociocultural and ethical factors. Finally, the study provides strategic and best-practice information on the optimization of digital infrastructures in social science research in the digital transformation era.