Democracy for the Future (DEMOC)

This programme focuses on the future of democracy. Democracy based on citizens’ freedoms and rights, equality, inclusion and pluralism is the foundation of a welfare society and the rule of law. Global crises that call for radical societal reforms – such as climate change, biodiversity loss and armed conflicts – are challenges to democracy. Democracy is also susceptible to indirect forms of power, such as the power of information and data. The uneven distribution of participation and inclusion as well as social polarisation undermine democratic institutions and cohesion. What should Finland do to foster and preserve democracy and democratic values within its borders and internationally? What is the response of democratic decision-making in situations that fundamentally challenge existing systems? The present programme invites multidisciplinary research to build the knowledge base and expertise to address current and future challenges to democracy.

Projects

Reducing polarization via material participation (MaterialDemocracy)

Consortium PI: Sampsa Hyysalo, Aalto University

Interaction coordinator: Satu Lähteenoja, Demos Helsinki

Consortium composition: Aalto University, University of Helsinki, University of Eastern Finland, LUT University, Demos Helsinki

Overcoming Barriers to Participation (OBaMa)

Consortium PI: Meri Kulmala, University of Helsinki

Interaction coordinator: Saija Karjala, Deaconess Foundation

Consortium composition: University of Helsinki, University of Eastern Finland, Åbo Akademi University, University of Turku, Deaconess Foundation

Implementing Democratic Innovations (STRONG)

Consortium PI: Kimmo Grönlund, Åbo Akademi University

Interaction coordinator: Lauri Rapeli, Åbo Akademi University

Consortium composition: Åbo Akademi University, Tampere University, University of Vaasa, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare

The resilience of liberal democracy in Finland (RESLIDE)

Consortium PI: Åsa von Schoultz, University of Helsinki

Interaction coordinator: Mar-Leena Kolehmainen, Finnish Institute of International Affairs

Consortium composition: University of Helsinki, Åbo Akademi University, University of Turku, Finnish Institute of International Affairs, University of Eastern Finland

AI for reinforcing democracy (AIDEMOC)

Consortium PI: Anna-Mari Wallenberg, University of Helsinki

Interaction coordinator: Jukka Niittymaa, Creative agency Sherpa

Consortium composition: University of Helsinki, University of Jyväskylä, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Luova toimisto Sherpa