INNOVADE: Digital Democracy for a Changing World
INNOVADE (https://innovade-democracy.eu/) is a new EU-funded, 36-month project under HORIZON-CL2-2024-DEMOCRACY-01, dedicated to ensuring that digital democracy is transparent, accessible, and legally sound. As digital platforms become central to civic engagement, governments need robust policies and secure digital tools to prevent fragmentation, misinformation and digital exclusion.
The INNOVADE project officially launched in January 2025 with its Kick-Off Meeting in Brussels, bringing together a multidisciplinary consortium of experts in digital governance, AI, cybersecurity, legal compliance, and civic participation.
A Secure and Inclusive Digital Democracy
INNOVADE will provide governments, policymakers and civil society with the tools to strengthen democratic participation. The project will analyse digital democracy trends, assess risks and develop best practices, while also delivering a GDPR-compliant, AI-powered Digital Democracy App. This tool will enable secure and meaningful public decision-making, ensuring equal participation for all citizens, regardless of socio-economic background or digital literacy.
Real-World Testing Through Living Labs
To ensure practical and scalable solutions, INNOVADE is implementing a Living Labs approach, where citizens, policymakers, and technology experts will co-develop and test digital democracy tools in real-world settings. Pilots in Stad Geel (Belgium) and San Martín de la Vega (Spain) will evaluate how digital platforms can enhance citizen engagement, promote digital inclusion, and strengthen government accountability. The findings will inform scalable, evidence-based digital governance solutions for municipal, national, and EU-wide implementation.
A Multidisciplinary International Consortium
The project brings together leading institutions from Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain, ensuring technological, legal, and policy excellence. Beyond the Horizon ISSG leads coordination and policy expertise, supported by Paderborn University and KU Leuven, which drive research on digital democracy and civic participation. Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz (DFKI)ensures AI-driven, secure digital governance solutions, while Hybrid Core develops the project’s digital democracy app. ICT Legal Consulting (ICTLC) guarantees legal compliance, while Trust-IT Services and COMMpla contribute their expertise in digital communication and stakeholder engagement. Finally, Fundación Cibervoluntarios ensures the project remains focused on citizen inclusion and digital accessibility.
Collaborating for a Stronger Digital Democracy
INNOVADE is part of a wider European effort to make digital democracy more secure, inclusive and impactful. The project collaborates with its sister projects AI4Deliberation and Perycles, funded under the same call, to ensure complementary research and maximise impact. As part of this effort, INNOVADE will co-host its first webinar in March, focusing on the challenges and needs of digital democracy.
Get Involved
Policymakers, institutions, civil society organisations, and citizens are invited to engage with INNOVADE and help shape Europe’s digital democracy future.
To stay updated on INNOVADE’s progress, register for the newsletter at: https://innovade-democracy.eu/
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