Since launching in July 2023, our network has grown into a powerful force for change – connecting knowledge, building capacity, and shaping policy to create more inclusive, participatory, and resilient democracies.
Nets4Dem’s first annual report provides insights on democratic innovation, citizen engagement, and policy transformation across Europe, along with an overview of our resources, activities and efforts to build the capacity of leaders and policymakers.
A Knowledge Hub for Democratic Innovation
One of our achievements this past year has been the creation of the Knowledge Database on Democratic Innovation – a comprehensive repository that systematises research and insights from over two decades of EU-funded projects. Overall, 1,163 projects and related documents were reviewed for relevance, resulting in 346 documents included in the database and categorised across 11 metadata and seven content-related categories. This database highlights key trends in democratic innovation, such as the increasing role of local governance in participatory democracy and the challenges of institutionalising citizen engagement.
Strengthening Capacity for Impact
Beyond research, Nets4Dem is equipping practitioners with the tools they need to implement change. Our Rising Stars Mentorship Programme has already supported emerging leaders from across Europe, helping them navigate challenges like citizen disengagement, digital participation barriers, and resistance from public administrations. Meanwhile, the Democratic Innovations Accelerator is empowering governments and civil society organisations to design and implement participatory action plans tailored to their communities.
Embedding Democratic Innovations in Institutions
Democratic innovations must be more than one-off experiments; they need to be embedded in the very fabric of governance. Our first Policy Report, based on interviews with policymakers across Europe, provides key recommendations on how to integrate participatory processes into public institutions. From enhancing public administration cultures to strategically using evidence and narratives, these insights will help ensure that citizen participation becomes a core principle of decision-making.
Collaboration at the Democracy Lab
To bridge the gap between research and practice, we launched the Democracy Lab, an initiative designed to help cities co-create solutions for democratic engagement. Barcelona, a leader in democratic participation, hosted the inaugural Democracy Lab in September 2024. Cities like Rotterdam, Sofia, and Istanbul collaborated on tackling challenges related to civic tech, open data, and AI in governance, setting the stage for a new era of participatory digital transformation. The next edition will be hosted by Grenoble Alpes Métropole from 25-27 March 2025.
Scaling up for Lasting Change
Looking ahead, Nets4Dem is expanding its impact through Scaledem, a strategic alliance aimed at scaling successful democratic innovations. With major partnerships and funding in place, we are moving from experimentation to real-world implementation, ensuring that the best ideas don’t just stay on paper, but shape the future of democratic governance.
As we continue this work, we invite policymakers, civil society leaders, and democracy practitioners to join us.
Explore our full report now.
