ISeGov Research Group

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eDemocracy

Our research team is committed to exploring how digital technologies can enhance democratic participation, civic engagement, and policy deliberation. In the area of eDemocracy, we investigate systems and practices that support more inclusive, transparent, and responsive governance.
We are particularly interested in digital deliberation platforms, participatory decision-making tools, and citizen feedback systems that enable individuals and communities to actively contribute to public policy. Our research also extends to the ethical, legal, and technical challenges associated with scaling these innovations in institutional settings.

Key Research Topics:

Selected Projects:

Beyond these projects, our team is increasingly focused on the intersection of democratic innovation and digital infrastructure. We explore how machine learning can support large-scale sensemaking in participatory processes, how natural language processing (NLP) can summarize citizen input, and how design justice principles can ensure inclusivity in platform development. We are also interested in experimenting with participatory budgeting tools, civic hackathons, and real-time feedback systems for policy responsiveness. Our aim is to understand and shape the next generation of democratic technologies that are transparent, scalable, and truly reflective of diverse public voices.

Business Visualisation Maps

Business visualisation maps are graphical representations of data that incorporate geographic elements. These tools transform spreadsheet data into intuitive formats like heat maps, pin maps, or 3D prism maps, allowing businesses to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that might be hidden in raw numbers. By displaying information such as customer locations, sales territories, or asset distributions on a map, companies can improve decision-making, optimize operations, and identify new market opportunities. This visual approach facilitates better understanding and communication of complex data across different teams within an organization.

Political Debate Information Systems

Political Debate Information Systems are tools, often leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, designed to analyze and dissect the arguments and rhetoric used in political debates. These systems can help researchers and the public to automatically extract and examine various aspects of political discourse, such as the claims made by candidates, the evidence used to support them, and the emotional appeals employed. The goal is to provide a more structured and objective understanding of political debates, which are a crucial source of information for voters and a key element of democratic processes. Such systems can enhance transparency and allow for a more in-depth analysis of political communication.

Use of Social Media by Parties and Politicians

Political parties and politicians increasingly use social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to directly communicate with voters, bypassing traditional media filters. These platforms facilitate real-time engagement, allowing politicians to share their messages, gauge public opinion, and mobilize supporters for campaigns and events. Social media is integral to modern campaign strategies, used for targeted advertising, disseminating information, and fostering a sense of connection with the electorate. While offering benefits like increased transparency and participation, the use of social media in politics also raises concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential for manipulation.

Evaluation of e-Participation Systems

The evaluation of e-Participation systems aims to assess their effectiveness in engaging citizens in public policy-making and decision-making processes. Various frameworks and methodologies exist, often examining technical, social, and political aspects of these systems. Key criteria for evaluation can include the level of citizen engagement achieved (e.g., information access, consultation, active participation in decision-making), the usability and accessibility of the technology, and the actual impact on governance outcomes. Methods may involve assessing e-participation readiness, analyzing user behavior and feedback, and examining the openness of government data. The goal is to understand the success of these systems and identify areas for improvement to ensure they effectively enhance democratic processes.