This paper shares lessons from Nesta’s research into some of the pioneering innovations in digital democracy which are taking place across Europe and beyond.

Key findings

• Digital democracy is a broad concept and not easy to define. The paper provides a granular approach to help encompass its various activities and methods (our ‘typology of digital democracy’).
• Many initiatives exist simply as an app, or web page, driven by what the technology can do, rather than by what the need is.
• Lessons from global case studies describe how digital tools are being used to engage communities in more meaningful political participation, and how they are improving the quality and legitimacy of decision-making.
• Digital democracy is still young. Projects must embed better methods for evaluation of their goals if the field is to grow.