In the ever-evolving landscape of governance, understanding the impact of citizen participation and engagement has become a paramount question over the last few decades. Citizens play a pivotal role in shaping a more transparent, responsive, improved, and targeted governance. This article explores the intricate relationship between citizen engagement and governance, highlighting the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as enablers in this transformative process.
Citizen engagement can be broadly defined as individual or collective actions aimed at addressing public concerns and influencing governance. The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) adds a layer of dynamism to this engagement, making it more accessible and effective. To achieve this, various tools have been proposed, each harnessing the characteristics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance citizen participation:
However, the implementation of these tools is not without challenges. AI technologies need to be human-centered, considering ethical, legal, transparent, cultural, inclusive, and governance aspects. Premature adoption of AI without these considerations can lead to adverse consequences, including the reinforcement of undesirable “promoted” rationality.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Europe Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
