On October 30th and 31st, eco-union hosted an engaging Democracy Lab in Barcelona as part of the European research project INCITE-DEM. This interactive workshop brought together around 30 citizens, civil society representatives, and policymakers to explore fresh ways to make democracy more inclusive, participatory, and effective. Through dialogue and collaboration, participants engaged in dynamic discussions focused on reimagining democratic processes and promoting policies that directly reflect the needs and voices of the people.
The Democracy Lab served as a collaborative hub for innovation, allowing attendees to explore practical solutions to modern challenges facing democracy. They were able to dive into real issues and propose ideas that bridge the gap between citizen insights and decision-making processes. This approach not only encourages more inclusive governance but also aims to strengthen public trust and engagement in democratic systems.
Exploring democratic innovation through group activities
The Democracy Lab was structured around three core activities—sensemaking, provotyping, and collective dreaming—each designed to inspire creative solutions to pressing democratic challenges.
- Sensemaking: In groups, participants worked together to identify and interpret the complex factors affecting democracy today, as well as the principles it should uphold, sharing diverse perspectives on current challenges. This activity laid the foundation for mutual understanding and collective problem-solving.
- Provotyping: This hands-on prototyping session encouraged each group to design and test innovative approaches to democratic issues, such as new ways to engage citizens in public consultations focused on discussing projects with significant environmental, social, and territorial impacts. Participants explored practical, scalable solutions and tested the feasibility of new democratic models.
Collective Dreaming: Closing the DLab on an inspirational note, groups engaged in “collective dreaming,” envisioning the future of democracy and imagining pathways toward more inclusive and equitable governance. Ideas included, for instance, binding citizens’ assemblies on specific topics or areas, and enhancing transparency and traceability mechanisms within food supply chains to empower citizens to hold all actors accountable for the safety, quality, and sustainability of food production and distribution. This aspirational exercise helped participants connect on shared values and long-term goals.
Insights from participants
Throughout the two-day workshop, participants shared valuable insights and reflections on the experience:
- “The Democracy Lab has been an opportunity to share with different people common ideas we have about democracy and how to improve it. It has been a very positive, dynamic experience that helped us rethink the society in which we live.”
- “It was fascinating to interact with such a diverse group, learning about various proposals and creating quick solutions with an eye toward the future. We were able to collaborate on finding shared solutions to common challenges.“
- “What I found especially enriching was how we developed solutions through collective brainstorming. Any gaps or flaws in our ideas were addressed by others, resulting in solutions that were truly viable.“
- “I felt very comfortable and inspired at the Democracy Lab. It was a space where we could contribute our ideas to improve democracy and leave a better world for future generations.”
This event was a vital step in fostering a collaborative environment for democratic innovation, empowering diverse voices to contribute toward a more inclusive and resilient democracy. We look forward to continuing this journey with the INCITE-DEM project and seeing the impact of these discussions on public policy and citizen engagement.
Stay tuned for more updates on the project, as we work together to shape a democratic future that serves everyone!
