Bertelsmann Stiftung "Democracy"

Democratic Governance for the Future - an Atlas

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:48:37 +0200

Societal challenges such as climate change, demographic change and geopolitical upheavals reach far beyond individual legislative periods. At the same time, democratic politics is often geared toward short-term problem-solving. How can long-term interests and the perspectives of future generations be factored more systematically into political decision-making?

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Citizen Participation: New Report and Policy Brief published

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

In the report Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Citizen Participation, the OECD and the Bertelsmann Stiftung examine how artificial intelligence can support and improve citizen participation. Based on 50 real-world cases from 22 countries, the study presents nine types of AI applications, assesses their opportunities and risks, and provides recommendations for responsible use. An accompanying Policy Brief offers a concise overview of the key insights.

Democracy needs a future

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:13:34 +0200

Democracy is often assessed in terms of its performance today. However, our policy brief shows that people’s views of the future also shape how they experience democracy. Those who expect future generations to be worse off are significantly more likely to be dissatisfied with how democracy functions. Expectations about the future are therefore closely linked to how people evaluate democracy and emerge as an important source of democratic legitimacy.

New position paper: Strengthening citizen participation in Europe through civic tech in the age of AI

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200

How can citizen participation succeed in Europe amid rising polarization, declining trust, and AI-driven communication? A new position paper by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra explores the role of civic technology – and outlines the political and structural conditions needed to unlock its full potential. The publication “European Civic Technology and Citizen Participation in the Age of AI – A needs perspective” analyzes the needs of citizens, civic tech providers, and public administrations. It highlights a key challenge: digital participation must be accessible and easy to use, while also delivering meaningful political impact.

Paris: Network for Participation & Deliberation in Europe strengthens citizen participation – High-level event sends political signal

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Democratic systems across Europe are under pressure. In this context, the Network for Participation & Deliberation in Europe convened its sixth network meeting in Paris. Over three days, leading experts in participation worked intensively on advancing strategic approaches for effective citizen participation. What makes this network unique is that it consists of the implementers of participation – civil servants and participation professionals from across Europe and from European institutions.

Paris: Network for Participation & Deliberation in Europe strengthens citizen participation – High-level event sends political signal

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Ensuring Impact: New Guidelines for Effective Citizen Participation Published

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

With “Ensuring Impact – A Guide to Effective Set-up and Follow-up of Citizen Participation”, the Bertelsmann Stiftung, together with the Federation for Innovation in Democracy Europe (FIDE), publishes a comprehensive guide for designing participation processes that deliver real impact. The publication was developed as part of the New Democracy project and is aimed at public administrations and political decision-makers at the regional, national, and European levels.

Ensuring Impact: New Guidelines for Effective Citizen Participation Published

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:12:57 +0100

Fault lines in democracy  – Towards a new culture of conflict and participation in the age of AI

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Democracy once had it easier. Its global influence is declining, social conflicts are hardening, and trust in state institutions is eroding. Yet citizens are demanding more participation and a stronger sense of belonging. How can democracy respond? To renew democracy, we must address the defining fault lines of our time. In the age of AI, government and society need to cultivate openness towards more cooperation and a new culture of conflict and genuine compromise.

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Fault lines in democracy  – Towards a new culture of conflict and participation in the age of AI

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

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Bertelsmann Stiftung "Democracy"

Democratic Governance for the Future - an Atlas

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Citizen Participation: New Report and Policy Brief published

Democracy needs a future

New position paper: Strengthening citizen participation in Europe through civic tech in the age of AI

Paris: Network for Participation & Deliberation in Europe strengthens citizen participation – High-level event sends political signal

Paris: Network for Participation & Deliberation in Europe strengthens citizen participation – High-level event sends political signal

Ensuring Impact: New Guidelines for Effective Citizen Participation Published

Ensuring Impact: New Guidelines for Effective Citizen Participation Published

Fault lines in democracy – Towards a new culture of conflict and participation in the age of AI

Fault lines in democracy – Towards a new culture of conflict and participation in the age of AI

Fault lines in democracy  – Towards a new culture of conflict and participation in the age of AI

Fault lines in democracy  – Towards a new culture of conflict and participation in the age of AI