INNOVAtive DEmocracy through digitalisation

ongoing

Digital transformation of democracy has become an irreversible process. Yet, digital democracy platforms bear risks and challenges. INNOVADE's ambitious and disruptive results will drive transformation in how democracy and civic participation are facilitated by advanced digital technologies, while ensuring equal participation irrespective of socio-economic background and other factors. By fostering a thriving digitally enhanced public sphere, INNOVADE contributes to policymakers, citizens and researchers' better understanding of digital democracy dynamics. Leveraging existing knowledge, INNOVADE investigates recent developments in e-participation solutions. Through historical analysis and transnational cooperation, INNOVADE delves into the wide and long-term impacts and provide scalable and replicable solutions for e-participation. To advance digital democracy, INNOVADE will a) build an interdisciplinary knowledge base on digital democracy to improve knowledge on the current state of the art, future trends, and emerging next practices; b) help decisionmakers better understand frameworks, structures and settings required for inclusive digital governance; c) provide a toolkit that allows governments to make informed decisions on how to advance the transition to optimum digital democracies; d) build a “Digital Democracy App” in conformance with the principles of data protection, data security, and ethics; and finally e) develop a conceptual framework, platform and the educational materials needed for democratising access to digital tools for citizens across different backgrounds. The project’s co-operation with public administrations, citizens, civil society, and the private sector will ensure dialogue and foster impact. Over the longer term, the project will contribute to strengthening democratic governance, improving the accountability, transparency, efficacy, and trustworthiness of governments, and expanding active and inclusive citizenship.