27–28 October 2025 | Belgrade, Serbia
How can the growing body of knowledge on democratic innovation better inform the way our societies are governed? What stands in the way of translating valuable research and local experience into policies that genuinely strengthen democracy?
These questions lie at the core of the Nets4Dem workshop in Belgrade, which will explore how democratic innovation research and practice can inform policymaking and contribute to more inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance.
On Monday, 27 October, the workshop will open with a keynote lecture by Art O’Leary, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission who led the country’s first Constitutional Convention (2012) and participated in several citizens’ assemblies that shaped Ireland’s democratic reforms. Following the keynote, a panel discussion on innovative procedures in democratic decision-making will examine contemporary forms of citizen participation and the possibilities for their application in different political contexts.
On Tuesday, 28 October, discussions will focus on connecting research, practice, and public policy. Participants will reflect on how scientific and practical insights can be more effectively used in decision-making, the challenges that often hinder this process, and ways to strengthen cooperation among actors who contribute to democratic governance.
As part of its broader Horizon Europe mission, Nets4Dem connects research, practice, and policy to strengthen democratic resilience across Europe. The Belgrade workshop continues this mission by offering participants a space to learn from leading experts, hear concreteexperiences from across Europe, and build new connections that support democratic renewal at local, national, and EU levels.
Join us online!
Agenda
(subject to minor changes, all times in CET)
Monday, 27 October
16:30–16:45 Opening Remarks:
- Gazela Pudar Draško, IFDT
- H.E. Kevin Colgan, Ambassador of Ireland to Serbia
16:45–18:15 Keynote: “Democracy Re-Imagined – Listening to the Authentic Voice of the People in a Noisy World,” Art O’Leary, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission of Ireland
18:15–18:30 Break
18:30–20:00 Session 1: Innovative Procedures in Democratic Decision-Making
Participants:
- Melisa Ross, Participedia
- Jovana Timotijević, independent researcher
- Nemanja Anđelković, IFDT
- Student activist representative
Moderator: Gazela Pudar Draško, IFDT
20:00–22:00 Networking Event – Café Natalie (45 Kraljice Natalije Street)
Tuesday, 28 October
9:00–9:15 Welcome Coffee
9:15–9:30 Introduction to the Nets4Dem Project:Nets4Dem Team
9:30–11:00 Session 2: Evidence-Based Democratic Innovation
Participants:
- Paulina Pospieszna, Adam Mickiewicz University
- Ceri Davies-Tyrie, Ipsos UK & King’s College London
- Nabila Abbas, Federation for Innovation in Democracy
- Camille Dobler, Missions Publiques
Moderator: Irena Fiket, IFDT
11:00–11:15 Break
11:15–12:45 Session 3: Translation That Works
Participants:
- Elisenda Ballesté Buxó, International IDEA
- Vladimir Erceg, CRTA – Center for Research, Transparency, and Accountability
- Leda Sutlović, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Habsburg and Balkan Studies
Moderator: Tara Tepavac, IFDT
12:45–14:00 Lunch
