Innovation in democratic institutions
The overall aim of the project is to empower innovation within Estonia’s democratic institutions. In light of deepening global challenges, it is important that democratic institutions are able to remain relevant in new circumstances (compared, for example, with how, during the pandemic emergency, parliaments around the world tended to be sidelined from decision-making) and to continue to fulfil the tasks assigned to them (such as the protection of human rights).
To this end, civil society organisations must also engage in the development of democratic institutions in a systematic and ongoing manner. To do so, civil society organisations must have the capacity to analyse the shortcomings of the relevant institutions, to initiate a substantive public debate on these shortcomings (and, in doing so, raise broader awareness of the workings of democracy, its problems and possible solutions) and, through advocacy, directly influence the functioning of democratic institutions.
For this reason, a coalition of organisations and researchers working on the development of democracy in the region will be established during the course of this project, to bring international expertise to Estonia, facilitate the sharing of best practice and promote systematic international cooperation on innovation in the field of democracy – thereby enabling Estonian civil society organisations to work more effectively towards the development of democracy.
The project was drafted in collaboration with The Oslo Centre (TOC) and is being carried out in partnership with another organisation from Norway – the international department of the Norwegian Christian Democratic Party (KrF). Their long-standing expertise in the development of democracy provides a solid foundation for the implementation of the project. Their role in the project is to act as experts, helping to lay a solid foundation for the coalition being formed and its activities. During the course of the project, a further 10 non-governmental organisations and research institutions from Estonia and other countries around the Baltic Sea, all engaged in the development of democracy, will be brought on board as members of the coalition.
Amount of grant: €77,454.77
ESTONIAN DEMOCRACY – THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
WHO IS DRIVING THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEMOCRACY?
In early 2024, we mapped out the organisations operating in Estonia that are working to renew democracy in a research-based and systematic manner. We did not map Estonian democracy in general, nor those who keep our democracy functioning today, but rather those engaged in development work that could ensure our democratic model is able to adapt to new challenges and remain strong well into the future.
We view democracy as an innovation through the logical cycle of conceptualisation, validation and institutionalisation, in which 1) first, there should be research-based conceptualisation, which provides a more solid foundation for proposing new ideas; 2) this is followed by public debate and experimentation in various forms to validate the ideas; 3) and only once an idea has undergone a thorough process of scientific and public deliberation should it become part of the functioning of our institutions. This is just one way of thinking about innovation in democracy, and certainly not the only one.
The idea behind this approach is that a vibrant ecosystem – one in which there are a multitude of different actors and approaches at every stage – provides the best conditions for well-thought-out ideas to emerge and be put into practice, thereby enabling us to advance, step by step, to a new level of democracy.
The Centre for the Development of Democracy was established in 2022 in collaboration with the Network of Estonian Non-Governmental Organisations, the Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu, Rohetiiger, the Opinion Festival and the Estonian Cooperation Assembly. The Centre’s mission is to initiate evidence-based debate on democratic institutions and to drive development based on the findings of this debate.
We believe in systemic change and, through the Centre, we strive to bring this perspective to both democracy research and public debate. Based on established insights, we make proposals for systemic changes within specific institutions, both in Estonia and in the wider Baltic Sea region.
The aim of the DD Centre for Democracy is to develop this ecosystem by working with partners to identify gaps in the cycle and fill them with new activities and stakeholders.
The Centre for the Development of Democracy was established in 2022 in collaboration with the Network of Estonian Non-Governmental Organisations, the Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu, Rohetiiger, the Opinion Festival and the Estonian Cooperation Assembly. The Centre’s mission is to initiate evidence-based debate on democratic institutions and to drive development based on the findings of this debate.
We believe in systemic change and, through the Centre, we strive to bring this perspective to both democracy research and public debate. Based on established insights, we make proposals for systemic changes within specific institutions, both in Estonia and in the wider Baltic Sea region.
What was done as part of the project?
Broadly speaking, the project was divided into two parts – one taking place in Estonia and one at an international level.
The Estonian co-creation process
As part of the project, non-governmental organisations and researchers working on the development of democracy in Estonia were brought together, and we are conducting a thorough analytical process with them to identify the most significant challenges facing Estonia in relation to the functioning of democratic institutions and to formulate proposals for addressing them.
EThe proposals are compiled into a report, which is then subject to public debate via the media, social media and events (including the Opinion Festival). The proposals are then forwarded to the institutions to which they relate.
Launch of a regional coalition
The second major component of the project is the creation of a network comprising organisations (primarily non-governmental organisations) working to promote democracy in our region, as well as research institutions and researchers.
The network was launched in June 2023 at the Democracy Conference, and its main objective will be to facilitate and support international cooperation on issues relating to the development of democracy.
The Centre for the Development of Democracy, which operates under our foundation, will continue to lead the network that has been established even after the project has ended.