In cooperation with experts from research and practice, the IfLS and the Institute for Media and Communication Studies (IfKMW) at the University of Leipzig have developed practical and policy recommendations for (digital) citizen participation based on the results of the DigiBeL research project. These are now available in the form of an action guide and a policy brief together with further information on the project on the DigiBeL website. The DigitaLand podcast, which accompanies the project, can also be found on the website and via the known podcast providers.
The policy brief is intended to provide orientation for those responsible from districts and municipalities, civil society, business and the education sector in the design of participation processes in rural regional development, both digital and analogue. The recommendations are particularly relevant for rural regions, as they include findings on the impact of digitalisation on the population and role models for digital participation in rural areas. Among other things, the recommendations concern the strengthening of the framework for (digital) participation and the promotion of digital skills. We emphasise the importance of establishing a participatory culture and the need for coordination and cooperation at regional level. Furthermore, we underline the importance of taking into account the needs of different target groups and the use of hybrid formats to bridge access barriers. Good practice examples show possibilities for practical implementation.
The policy brief is aimed at political decision-makers at district, municipal, state and federal level whose work concerns the topics of digitalisation, rural regional development and citizen participation. The aim is to provide guidance on the key requirements for digital and analogue citizen participation in rural regional development. The policy recommendations focus on strengthening the framework conditions for (digital) participation, promoting digital skills and expanding cooperation. We emphasise the importance of an established "participation culture" and the creation of technical conditions for digital participation in rural areas. In addition, we point out the relevance of digital competences both for citizens and for those responsible in the administration. Cooperation, especially with universities, research institutes, business enterprises and evaluation, is of great importance for a successful participation processes.
Between April 2020 and March 2023, the DigiBeL research project investigated the role of digital approaches in the participation of citizens in rural regional development processes as well as ways to effectively design this participation. The project was based, among other things, on an extensive literature review, a nationwide online survey of representatives from regional development and six case studies in different regions of Germany.
DigiBeL was funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) through the Federal Programme Rural Development and Regional Value Creation (BULE+).
Contact persons at the IfLS: Simone Sterly (sterly[at]ifls.de), Sarah Peter (peter[at]ifls.de)
