Digitalisation and democracy – vulnerable neighbourhoods
Digitalisation is transforming and simplifying daily life, including interactions with public authorities and political institutions. Accessing digital services and participating in political discussions online can both enhance accessibility and make the public sector more efficient. Digital inclusion is not just an advantage but a necessity for full participation in society and politics. Research shows that digital participation is closely linked to social, economic, and political inclusion.
How do residents in vulnerable neighbourhoods use the internet and digital technology? How are public digital services utilized? What does political participation look like in a digital society? These questions are explored using both qualitative and quantitative methods, in collaboration with colleagues and partners outside academia. Together, we are also developing methods to better study these issues.
Examples of projects
Digital inclusion – Analyses, Policies, Practices: A research project on social and political participation among residents in vulnerable neighbourhoods, in the context of a digital society. The study applies both qualitative and quantitative methods and aims for methodological development. Case studies include Skäggetorp and Navestad in Sweden. Collaboration is carried out with public, private, and non-profit actors. Funded by Formas.
How smart are smart cities, homes, and people actually?: A literature review within Forma's project for socially sustainable housing, focusing on smart cities in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
Knowledge project for the Swedish Media Council: A project funded by the Swedish Media Council to map media usage among youth in vulnerable neighbourhoods and develop methods to better map and understand the usage.
Digitalisation and democracy – Western Balkans
The EU and national governments in the Western Balkans are investing in digitalisation as a tool for EU integration. Digital solutions are seen as having the potential to enhance democracy and strengthen citizen participation in public decision-making processes. However, the region faces significant challenges, including digital exclusion, low usage of public digital services, and weak cybersecurity. These issues reinforce, and are reinforced by, existing democratic challenges in the region.
How is the internet and digital technology used in the Western Balkans? What challenges and opportunities exist for the public sector’s digital development? My research investigates how digitalisation can both support and hinder democratic development in the region, in collaboration with colleagues and external partners.
Examples of projects and activities
Sustainable eGovernment – Resilience, Innovation, and Democracy (SeGRID): A program funded by the Swedish Institute, where we educate politicians, civil servants, and civil society representatives from the Western Balkans, the Baltics, and the EU Eastern Partnership. The program aims to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in democratic leadership and public administration in a digital society. More about SeGRID.
Berlin Process 2024: Participation in the preparatory forum in Skopje and the main forum in Berlin, as part of the Berlin Process. The Berlin Process aims to support the Western Balkans’ EU integration. In addition to the six Western Balkan countries, several EU countries such as Germany, France, Austria, and Italy also participate. Funded by the EU and bilateral contributions from participating states, with my involvement primarily financed by the German Foreign Office.
Aspen Institute’s Digitalization and Democracy Forum: Consulting work for Aspen Institute Germany on digitalisation and democracy in the Western Balkans, including report writing and workshops in Podgorica. My involvement was mainly funded by the German and Montenegrin Foreign Ministries.
