WP9. Democratic innovations and policy toolkit: knowledge-based policy actions catalogue

Task 9.1. Outlining the methodological framework for a system of democratic innovations.

The report explores how democratic innovations, such as deliberative mini-publics and direct democracy mechanisms, can rebuild political trust in European democracies. These innovations aim to deepen citizen engagement in decision-making, addressing declining trust in traditional representative institutions. Political trust, a cornerstone of democratic governance, has eroded significantly across Europe, correlating with reduced political participation, heightened polarization, and support for populist movements. Democratic innovations serve as mechanisms for fostering trust by enhancing political efficacy—citizens’ belief in their ability to influence governance. At the individual level, participation in these processes often increases knowledge, satisfaction with democracy, and trust in institutions. Deliberative mechanisms promote informed dialogue and collective decision-making, while direct democracy tools, like referendums, empower citizens to directly influence policies. However, their impact on trust varies based on design, context, and participant expectations. Empirical evidence highlights both opportunities and challenges. Successful innovations rely on transparent processes, fair procedures, and meaningful integration into policymaking. Yet, they often attract politically active, already-trusting individuals, limiting their capacity to engage marginalized groups. Additionally, lack of consequential outcomes and perceived manipulation by political elites can undermine trust. The report concludes that while democratic innovations hold promise for renewing trust and legitimacy, they are no panacea. Their effectiveness depends on careful design, broader public awareness, and institutional commitment to implementing outcomes. Further research is needed to explore their long-term impact and potential to bridge socio-political divides in polarized democracies.

Task 9.2. Knowledge-based policy actions and democratic innovations.

The Catalogue of Knowledge-Based Democratic Innovations to Enhance Trust introduces a wide range of democratic practices that can renew the relationship between citizens and institutions. It gathers together examples of tools that allow people not only to voice their concerns but also to shape decisions, influence policies, and take part in collective problem-solving. From citizens’ assemblies and participatory budgets to petitions, referendums, and digital platforms for open governance, the Catalogue demonstrates the many ways in which democracies can respond to demands for transparency, accountability, and meaningful participation.

Drawing on detailed case studies, it shows how these instruments work in practice. Ostbelgien’s Permanent Citizens’ Assembly, for instance, integrates ordinary citizens directly into parliamentary life. Participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre gave residents the power to decide how public money should be spent, reshaping local priorities and strengthening social cohesion. In Poland, petitions and grassroots mobilization played a central role in shaping debates on reproductive rights. In Estonia, digital innovation made it possible to carry out fully electronic national elections, setting a global precedent. Each of these cases illustrates not only the possibilities of democratic innovation but also the conditions under which trust in political institutions can be strengthened or weakened.

The Catalogue also explores how context matters: the success of democratic innovations depends on political commitment, institutional design, and the wider environment in which they operate. It considers how innovations can generate immediate visibility, contribute to stabilizing trust in the medium term, and foster long-lasting legitimacy and accountability. By connecting evidence from research with practical experiences from across Europe and beyond, it provides guidance on how these mechanisms can be adapted to different democratic settings.

This resource is intended for policymakers, civil society actors, and scholars who seek to deepen democratic practice and address the challenge of political trust. It demonstrates that democratic innovations are not isolated experiments, but concrete tools that, when thoughtfully implemented, can strengthen the credibility of institutions and reinforce the democratic bond between citizens and their representatives.

Task 9.3. Audience-targeted reports and recommendations to identify democratic innovations likely to generate political trust and develop scale-specific strategies to promote them.

This report provides practical, evidence-informed recommendations for fostering political trust through democratic innovations. Building on earlier TRUEDEM research and the Catalogue of Knowledge-Based Democratic Innovations, it translates insights into strategic guidance tailored to different actors engaged in democratic life. The recommendations address policymakers, elected representatives, public servants, civil society actors, facilitators, and media professionals. They consider the specific roles and responsibilities of each group and set out concrete strategies to design, implement, communicate, and institutionalize democratic innovations in ways that enhance both trust and institutional trustworthiness.

The report highlights the importance of long-term commitment, clear legal frameworks, transparent processes, and hybrid forms of participation that combine deliberative, consultative, and decision-making elements. It draws on expert workshops, webinars, participatory events, and a cross-country expert survey to ensure that the guidance reflects both academic knowledge and practical experience.

By offering tailored advice, the report serves as a toolkit for actors across local, national, and European levels who seek to embed democratic innovations in governance. It aims to make participation more effective, credible, and sustainable—ultimately reinforcing the bonds of trust between citizens and democratic institutions.