Despite the dispersion of production networks by MNEs across the globe, as observed in prior work (e.g.,Al Waqfi & Forstenlechner, 2010; Haak-Saheem et al., 2017; Van der Straaten et al., 2023), the overarching process of economic globalization has not led to a more equitable distribution of economic activities. Instead, certain locations continue to attract disproportionately high levels of skilled mobile talent (Sassen, 2001; Storper & Scott, 2009). As a result, there is a growing focus on the geographical aspects of economic globalization, particularly directed towards subnational entities such as regions, clusters, and, more notably, cities. The emergence of global cities is by no means the only change influencing the field of IHRM. Rather, the very world of work itself is evolving, bringing with it important implications for individuals, employers, and communities. Likely future shifts in global work, along with the accompanying trends that will affect workforces and workplaces, may require a parallel shift in the roles and responsibilities of IHRM to prepare for what’s next (Lazarova et al., 2023). In addition, digitalization and generative artificial intelligence as path-breaking developments are leading to a re-evaluation of many aspects of work. These, and related mega trends in the world of work, including changes in the distinct characteristics of global cities, present an interesting conundrum for studying global mobility (Hajro et al., 2023).