Civic Engagement Evolution
active 6 months, 3 weeks agoSpecific Challenges
The project confronts the challenge of enhancing civic engagement within municipalities across the Baltic Sea Region, where methods for citizen involvement and public service feedback loops are often underdeveloped. Municipal authorities and civic organisations require digital tools and established methodologies for effective community participation. Drawing on methodologies endorsed by organisations like the OECD, the project will adopt an open-source platform to create a unified system that strengthens democratic processes and public service responsiveness.
Transnational Relevance
Transnational collaboration is vital to address the challenge of civic engagement holistically. The project will establish a common framework for citizen participation across the Baltic Sea Region by leveraging OECD-recommended methodologies. The adaptability of an open-source platform, tested in diverse municipal contexts, ensures the project’s solutions are broadly applicable, promoting regional cohesion and shared best practices.
Target Groups
1. Municipal authorities (urban planning and public services departments)
2. Civic organisations advocating for citizen engagement and transparent governance.
3. Public service providers (healthcare, social services) looking to incorporate citizen feedback into service improvement.
4. Citizen groups, especially those underrepresented in public discourse.
Workplan
WP1 – Preparing Solutions: Adapt an open-source digital platform for civic engagement, incorporating OECD-endorsed engagement methodologies. Prepare solutions that facilitate constructive citizen-government interactions and enhance public sector accountability.
WP2 – Piloting and Evaluating Solutions: Implement pilot initiatives to test the engagement platform and methodologies in different municipalities. Gather feedback from diverse target groups to assess the approach’s efficacy and adapt it for broader regional relevance.
WP3 – Transferring Solutions: Roll out the platform and engagement methods across the Baltic Sea Region, ensuring that the target groups are equipped to utilize these resources. Support the mainstreaming of participatory public service processes with the goal of establishing a sustainable, inclusive civic engagement culture.