Electronic Participation (eParticipation) develops and implements forms of participation in decision and policy-making processes for citizens based on the extensive use of information and communication technology. eParticipation thereby spans information provision about democracy matters, top down engagement of citizens (governments and politicians consult and engage citizens in democracy matters), as well as bottom-up empowerment (citizens get active in engaging in political decision-making matters) thereby using available ICT. The ultimate goal of eParticipation is to improve transparency, inclusiveness (-> digital divide) and accountability in decision-making (of democracy and state).

Using information and communication technology, Electronic Participation develops and implements new forms of participation in decision and policy-making processes for citizens. These processes do not just provide information; they should also encourage direct communication and discussion between public authorities, elected representatives, politicians, citizens and governance. eParticipation is ameans of taking part in the opinion-making process up to the point of decision-making with electronic systems. Aims of eParticipation are to improve public responsiveness and to enhance public satisfaction.

Definition by the EU

"eParticipation is a Preparatory Action to promote the development and use of Information and Communication Technologies in the legislative decision-making processes, in parliamentary and government environments, aiming at enhancing the participation of citizens and contributing to better legislation." ^[1]

Literature

• Märker, Oliver ; Wehner, Josef: E-participation: tapping citizens' expertise for the qualification of planning and decision-making processes. In: Zechner, Achim (Ed.): Handbook for E-government: Strategies, solutions, efficiency and impact. Munich : Fraunhofer IRB Verlag, 2007, P. 367–382
• Stach, Heike: Citizen portals – For safe and reliable online presence of citizens on the Internet. In: Zechner, Achim (Ed.): Handbook for E-government: Strategies, solutions, efficiency and impact. Munich : Fraunhofer IRB Verlag, 2007, P. 155–164

Weblinks

• The eParticipation Initiative

Sources

1. ↑ DG Information Society and Media - eParticipation Work programme 2006 (accessed 2006/09/27)