Digital Divide, Digital Capabilities and Feasibility. The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Participatory Budgeting Process in Brazil

This research examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve digital capabilities and overcome digital divides in participatory budgeting processes within smart cities. In participatory processes, besides a digital divide a participatory divide becomes obvious. Following the theories of Armatya Sen, the paper develops a model of digital capabilities. This becomes obvious at the individual micro-level but also at the meso-level (organizations) and in particular at the macro-level (administration). The study is grounded in concrete problems in participatory budgeting process in Sao Paulo. Here the knowledge on feasibility is an important factor. The study explores how AI can bridge the gap and how it can improve online political participation. It investigates the individual capacity. Furthermore, it analyses the state capacity required for governments to implement AI-enhanced participatory tools, considering technological dependencies and vulnerabilities. The study contributes to understanding how technological advancements can reshape online participatory processes, which are used globally.