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From Ideas to Action: Democratic Innovations Confronting Contemporary Challenges

Civil Society
Cyber Politics
Democracy
Governance
Institutions
Political Participation
Climate Change
Mixed Methods
S25
Alexander Geisler
Universität St Gallen
Lala Muradova
University of Southampton

Endorsed by the ECPR Standing Group on Democratic Innovations


Abstract

The Democratic Innovations section aims to delve into how democratic innovations can tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by society and politics in the contemporary world. The thematic focus revolves around exploring innovative solutions to address these obstacles, emphasizing interdisciplinary perspectives, open science collaboration, and the integration of new theoretical lenses. The section is structured around four key themes, each of which presents unique challenges and opportunities for democratic innovations. The first theme revolves around "Deepening and Broadening Democracy Across Contemporary Societal Divides". This theme addresses the crucial issues associated with deepening and broadening democracy, particularly in the face of structural inequalities such as income, social, and gender disparities. Additionally, it explores age-based divides, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in democratic innovations. By confronting these challenges head-on, this theme aims to pave the way for more inclusive and equitable democratic practices. The second theme, "Global Crises and Immediate Demand for Action," highlights the urgency of democratic innovations in the face of climate change, deliberative democracy, and misinformation/disinformation. This theme analyses the role of democratic processes in tackling global crises, emphasizing the need for swift and effective action. These panels will explore strategies to integrate democratic innovations into the fight against climate change and combat misinformation, strengthening informed decision-making globally. The third theme on "Tech & AI: Challenges & Opportunities" is about the emerging and complex role of technology and AI in democratic innovations at all levels, paying tribute to recent advancements like automated moderators in deliberation, the AI-driven analysis of discourses and platforms or the gamification of democratic innovations. The theme also addresses the negative consequences and side effects of these new technological innovations, unpacking why and how they shape the future of established and novel democratic processes. Moreover, the fourth theme encourages theoretical advancements to address these challenges, where scholars explore innovative theoretical perspectives. The theme engages with deliberative systems thinking, participatory approaches, integrating macro- and micro-innovations, and adopting policy perspectives to enhance democratic innovations’ impact on the political process writ large. By pushing the boundaries of existing theories, this theme seeks to inspire fresh perspectives and novel approaches to confront the challenges faced by democratic innovations. The section’s overarching theme of open science initiatives and collaboration between science and practitioners delves into the intersection of open science principles and democratic innovations, exploring how collaboration between researchers and practitioners can enhance the democratic process. We anticipate stimulating discussions and innovative ideas emerging from this theme, bridging the debates between scientific investigation and real-world application.
Code Title Details
P019 Advances in the study of online and offline participation View Panel Details
P061 Breaking the bubble: Determining the policy impact of democratic innovations View Panel Details
P085 Comparative analysis of support for democratic innovations and cumulative wins and losses View Panel Details
P093 Connecting Deliberative and Direct Democracy: Novel Insights from Citizens’ Initiative Review Processes View Panel Details
P094 Connecting theory and action in research on democratic innovations View Panel Details
P116 Deliberative cultures and inequities: on the crucial role of facilitators, mediators and interpreters View Panel Details
P117 Deliberative mini-publics and climate change: mechanisms of public impact and policy change View Panel Details
P124 Democratic Innovations and Contemporary Challenges: Questions of Demand and Design View Panel Details
P278 Navigating the Crossroads between technology and democracy: Insights from Studies on Deliberative Democracy, Technology, and Civic Engagement View Panel Details
P421 Who introduces democratic innovations and why? Stakeholders, goals, and consequences of participation View Panel Details
P504 Democratic Innovations with a purpose: Mapping Geographies, Resisting Neoliberalism, and Enhancing Inclusivity View Panel Details
P505 Democratic Innovations in Environmental Governance: Comparative Perspectives View Panel Details
P507 Democracy in the Era of Climate Change: Innovations, Perceptions, and Transformations View Panel Details
P508 Elite influence in deliberation View Panel Details