Innovating participation through AI to scale democratic engagement.
Scaling democratic practices
ORBIS is dedicated to expanding the reach and effectiveness of democratic engagements through processes and practices that exploit new technologies and AI-enhanced tools for enhancing participation.
By specifically reflecting on models of deliberative democracy and their potential in terms of scalability, ORBIS enables a broader application of participative initiatives, allowing adoption and adaptation for diverse environments and larger populations. This scalability ensures that more citizens can partake in meaningful discussions on critical policy issues, regardless of geographical and societal boundaries.
Stakeholder engagement and co-creation
ORBIS emphasises the importance of active stakeholder involvement in all phases of innovation and technology development.
By adopting a co-creation approach, the project ensures that the foundations of the project, its methods, and its AI-enhanced tools are developed as aligned with the real needs and values of the communities they are intended to serve.
Co-creation and co-design are adopted not only to enhance the relevance and acceptance of technological innovations but also fosters a sense of representation and ownership among stakeholders, increasing the desirability and possibilities of effective integration/institutionalisation of technological advancements into society.
AI-enhanced support to participation
ORBIS leverages and explores advanced AI technologies to enhance public participation in democratic processes.
The project develops and deploys four AI-enhanced tools that facilitate the analysis of large datasets of public input, improving the ability to participate in the discourse in an informed and aware manner, thus nurturing efficiency and depth of deliberative sessions.
These tools help identify emerging themes and sentiments, provide summarizations of discussions, and ensure that every voice can be heard and considered. This level of support empowers citizens to engage more effectively in public debates and decision-making processes.
Democratisation of participation
A core aim of the ORBIS project is to democratise participation by making it more accessible to a wider audience.
A core aim of the ORBIS project is to democratise participation by making it more accessible to a wider audience. Through the development of user-friendly digital platforms and tools, ORBIS lowers the barriers to entry for participating in public deliberations. This approach not only includes traditionally underrepresented groups but also educates and empowers individuals to actively engage in the governance processes that affect their lives. By facilitating broader access to deliberative tools, ORBIS contributes to a more inclusive and equitable democratic practice.
