DCitizens strengthened European excellence in Digital Civics by enhancing research capacity, training, and institutional transformation at IST-ID and its research unit, the Interactive Technologies Institute (ITI/LARSyS), while extending impact to Instituto Superior Técnico – Universidade de Lisboa (IST/ULisboa). The project aimed to establish a leading European pole of excellence in Digital Civics through advanced training, international collaboration, and citizen-led research innovation.
The project delivered substantial capacity-building through staff exchanges, training for early-stage researchers, the establishment of a professional research management unit, and the development of a relational, commissioning-based research model. DCitizens contributed to a significant increase in scientific output, international visibility, and participation in EU-funded research, while generating policy-relevant evidence aligned with EU priorities on citizen participation, inclusion, and responsible digital innovation.
The objectives of DCitizens were fully achieved as follows:
O1 – Enhance IST-ID research profile and innovation competence in Digital Civics
Achieved through the establishment of a dedicated Research Management Unit, increased EU proposal submissions, and a strong rise in high-quality scientific publications.
O2 – Provide training to staff and early-stage researchers
Achieved through extensive staff exchanges, MSc/PhD co-supervision, short courses, summer schools, and invited lectures, creating critical mass at the interface of research, government, and civil society.
O3 – Establish a leading pole of excellence in Digital Civics in Europe
Achieved through international visibility, flagship publications, a new doctoral program, and recognition of ITI as a reference centre in Digital Civics.
O4 – Strengthen and expand collaborative networks between Twinning partners
Achieved through joint events, mobility, proposal development, and seven new funded projects.
O5 – Establish a Digital Civics Research and Innovation Agenda aligned with Smart Specialisation
Achieved through commissioned, citizen-led research projects addressing societal challenges and informing regional and European innovation agendas.
