The Nets4Dem project has achieved substantial progress in its first reporting period, meeting and frequently exceeding its planned targets across all objectives.
1) Creating, fostering, and sustaining a robust network
In its first year, the project has successfully conceptualized the structure, governance, and value proposition for a pan-European network on democratic innovation. Communication channels and branding have been developed, and the network has been successfully constituted and launched. Membership has grown by 100%, with twelve new key stakeholders joining the network, far surpassing the anticipated 50% target.
The network has also formally joined another Horizon Europe project, Scaledem, focused on the testing and scaling of democratic innovations, which will start in December 2024. This has created synergies, and extended the network’s collaboration influence across Europe.
2) Systematizing and connecting fragmented knowledge
During its first year, the project has established a comprehensive Knowledge Database on Democratic Innovation, collecting & systematising the top findings from 1,163 EU-funded democracy projects over the past 25 years, as well as other policy sources. The analysis of the knowledge gathered lead to the establishment of a Multi-dimensional Framework for Democratic Innovation, identifying current trends and gaps in democratic innovation research, and setting the groundwork for a book volume on the institutionalising of democratic innovations.
3) Promoting coordinated democratic innovation support
Two capacity-building programs were launched. The Rising Stars Mentorship Program supported 20 individuals in improving participatory processes, while the Democratic Innovations Accelerator Program involved 26 organizations and public bodies, offering mentorship, training, and tools like the Participation Playbook.
The Nets4Dem Online Resource Center, built on a global resource platform by Nets4Dem's partner People Powered, was expanded with capacity-building materials in six additional European languages. This enhanced the capacity of policymakers and practitioners to innovate with democratic methodologies.
4) Raising the ambition of policymaking
Nets4Dem provides actionable policy recommendations to strengthen democracy through innovation and experimentation. Dissemination events engaged 95 policymakers and public bodies, including two editions of policy dialogues, as well as inaugural policy retreats and Democracy Labs.
The Democracy Labs, designed with Eurocities’ network of 200+ cities, complement Nets4Dem’s programs by providing spaces for cities to share experiences, co-create solutions, and build frameworks for sustainable democratic engagement.
Overall, 8 key Nets4Dem-organised events and network activities, including its capacity building programs, gathered 342 participants.
