In the ever-evolving landscape of governance, understanding the impact of citizen participation and engagement has become a paramount question over the last few decades. Citizens play a pivotal role in shaping a more transparent, responsive, improved, and targeted governance. This article explores the intricate relationship between citizen engagement and governance, highlighting the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as enablers in this transformative process.

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly significant role in our lives, the need for ethical and safety considerations is more urgent than ever. The MKAI Global AI Ethics and Safety – People’s Summit, scheduled to run concurrently with the Global AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park on November 1, 2023, is not just an event.

In the era of digital transformation, the convergence of civic participation and artificial intelligence has sparked both anticipation and scrutiny. Explore how AI is revolutionizing the way we engage with democracy.

ITHACA consortium members actively participate in the “AI, Big Data and Democracy Task Force”. It is a collaborative assembly of Horizon Europe projects funded under the “Reshaping Democracies” call. The primary objective of this initiative is to promote extensive cooperation among affiliated sister projects and amplify the utilization of their outcomes.

The ITHACA initiative is dedicated to enhancing the positive influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on democratic institutions and processes. To achieve this goal, an online discussion platform, incorporating human and social perspectives, will be created and piloted in two EU countries – Romania and Slovakia. How will we design it? In cooperation with representatives of vulnerable groups.

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems holds immense potential for societal benefits, economic growth, and boosting EU innovation and competitiveness. However, it’s also recognized that certain AI systems raise concerns, particularly in terms of safety, security, and the protection of fundamental rights.

How can citizens drive transparent and responsive governance?

Project ITHACA is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at improving our understanding of the complexities and controversies surrounding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of technology-enhanced civic participation, to ensure the safe and accessible participation of all citizens in local civic governance initiatives, including those from vulnerable groups often excluded and/or affected by systems in which they have not been taken into account throughout the design, development and implementation phases.

The venue for the 25th Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research (Digital Government Society) next year is now announced. This time, it goes really international and far from Europe – the DGO2024 is taking place in Taipei, Taiwan!