Post-pandemic democratic innovation: transparency, citizen behavior and decision-making

The field of democratic innovation has gained renewed attention in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated the democratic deterioration observed since the late 20th century. The pandemic has intensified existing social and economic issues, such as poverty and unemployment, while also presenting new political and institutional challenges, including the resurgence of nationalism and the weakening of political parties. These challenges have led to a decline in social trust and the legitimacy of institutions. In response, democratizing currents have emerged, advocating for the transformation of institutions through inclusive and participatory approaches. Recent studies suggest that democratic innovation can enhance citizen decision-making power, develop civic competencies, and increase social trust and legitimacy in political processes. However, there remains a need for further investigation into how these innovations can effectively address the democratic malaise and improve institutional legitimacy in the post-pandemic context.

This research topic aims to explore initiatives and experiences that seek to transform public and political institutions by incorporating citizens into decision-making processes in various post-pandemic contexts. The primary objective is to examine how democratic innovations can enhance transparency, citizen participation, and institutional legitimacy. Key questions include: What new experiences are political institutions implementing to foster transparency and citizen control? What factors influence the success of democratic innovations? How do citizens behave when participating in political processes? What impacts do these innovations have on political and administrative institutions? Additionally, the research will investigate the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating democratic innovation.

To gather further insights in the realm of post-pandemic democratic innovation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
New experiences that political institutions are implementing to favor transparency, citizen participation, and control.
• The factors that condition democratic innovations in political and administrative institutions.
• The behavior of citizens participating in political processes and actions.
• The impacts generated by democratic innovations within political and administrative institutions.
• How artificial intelligence can favor democratic innovation.

Keywords: democratic innovation, COVID-19, democracy, citizen participation, AI

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.