Technological Questions Sub-forum Wiki

During the last few years eParticipation has become a rapidly evolving field. In this context, relevant ICT tools and technologies have many impacts and benefits that may enhance participation in the policy-making processes. There are many different types of tools, ranging from simple applications of email, to custom-designed and programmed applications.

ICT Channels, Bottom-Up, Top Down

The Following Questions are discussed in this area: How can eParticipation initiatives work with non-ICT channels and processes to promote and exploit better participation and engagement of all types? For example, with traditional policy and political activities through the traditional media, physical meetings, polling and voting, traditional campaigning and communication strategies, etc.<br>How can eParticipation contribute to promote and exploit bottom-up beneficial engagement by citizens or other actors, i.e. which arises directly from the needs of specific actors themselves and is not initiated or controlled by politicians or governments? This can include situations both in which the actors’ engagement does not involve any real transfer of influence or power from government, as well as when it does.<br>How can eParticipation contribute to promoting and exploiting beneficial engagement by citizens or other actors in initiatives designed or controlled by politicians or governments? This can include situations both in which the actors’ engagement does not involve any real transfer of influence or power from government, as well as when it does.<br><br>

The (r)evolution of politics and institutions – survival of the fittest or participation of all?

This sub-forum was set up to discuss the following questions:<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;How and in which ways can eParticipation contribute beneficially to changing the nature, processes and structures of politics and policy engagement?&nbsp; For example, including many more individuals and interests (quantitatively, qualitatively and geographically); eliminating, by-passing or enhancing the role of elected or non-elected representatives; changing the relative power and roles of institutions and/or creating new institutions, etc.<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;How can eParticipation initiatives mitigate or avoid the dangers of unaccountability, street politics, mob-rule, take-over by the digital elite or narrow interests, trivialisation, short-termism, too much focus on single issues and too little policy balancing, apathy, lack of trust, etc.?

The European sphere wiki

This sub-forum was set up to discuss the following questions:<br>How can eParticipation help promote and exploit a European public sphere?&#8232;<br>How can EU institutions cooperate with other actors?&#8232;<br>How can EU institutions learn from successful eParticipation initiatives used at lower levels or in the private and non-profit sectors?