Helping to shape digital democracy

Because democracy is in danger. A growing and increasingly vocal section of the population no longer feels represented by democratic institutions. In this project, we are looking at ways of responding to these trends. What approaches are there to prevent the causes of populists' success? Can the regulation of online social networks help, for example? How are attempts being made to strengthen civil society and what new democratic institutions are being created to better integrate citizens into the legislative process? What role can citizens' councils play in this and what possibilities do digital solutions offer? The central question should be what research is needed to develop, test and gradually optimize new democratic approaches. How can such research be shaped at a time when democracy is already under pressure?

Our project will address precisely these questions and much more. With the help of students, we want to get something big off the ground!

But what exactly is digital democracy?

It's actually quite simple: the term describes a form of democracy in which digital media is used to promote democratic processes. It is about informing the public and promoting the exchange of political opinions and the active participation of citizens. Digital democracy is characterized by the provision of information via online channels, dialogue in digital forums and new opportunities for participation such as online petitions or digital citizen surveys. The overarching goal is to develop a digital practice that can make political participation more accessible and transparent through digital communication and interaction.