In person icon (Re)thinking the Institutionalization of Democratic Innovations

Abstract

Democratic innovations, such as citizens' assemblies, deliberative panels, and participatory budgeting, have gained recognition for their potential to improve the quality, legitimacy, and effectiveness of public decision-making by fostering increased citizen engagement and deliberation. However, despite initial excitement, these practices often encounter difficulties in securing appropriate forms of institutionalization, which some argue are crucial for maximizing their impact and legitimacy. Across the globe, there are numerous examples of democratic innovations being formalized and institutionalized through various regulatory frameworks, including both hard and soft laws. While institutionalization can provide the structure and stability needed for these practices to thrive, it also risks restraining the creativity that drives their success. Despite these efforts, there remains a noticeable gap in research concerning the lessons that these attempts at institutionalizing democratic practices can offer. Several key questions persist, including: What factors promote or hinder the institutionalization of participatory practices? What kind of formalization or institutionalization is most desirable? Why does resistance to formalization continue among institutional actors, legal scholars, and social movements? What types and levels of institutionalization are most effective? How does the broader institutional context influence the formalization process? And, what challenges arise in the context of democratic decline? This panel aims to explore these questions by inviting diverse perspectives that examine the complex relationship between democratic innovation and institutionalization.

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