Abstract

Innovation democracy is a kind of democratic practice aiming to improve democratic governance by creating spaces where citizens can be part of public decision-making and address issues. It combines four forms of participation: deliberation; citizen representation, digital engagement, and direct voting. These innovations are often influenced by social movements. They take a broad view of citizenship that includes all citizens in their activities. They also share a common goal of enhancing trust in institutions of government. They are the response to a growing sense of discontent with public policy and lack of confidence in existing institutional structures and mechanisms for representation. They are designed to address a range of public issues and defend various values, ranging from racial injustice to environmental protection. They are triggered by a variety of kinds of crisis and pressures, from resentment over social injustices to the challenges posed by globalization.

These new forms, though they may have their origins in particular movements, are click for info not necessarily a reflection of radical changes in the nature of democratic process itself. For example, they can be seen as a method to restore legitimacy to existing institutions by demonstrating that they are capable of responding effectively to public demands, as in the case of a collaborative effort which was successful in addressing the issue of water shortage. They could be seen as a way to promote cooperative business or solidarity economies such as those of Barcelona en Comu.