Reducing Polarisation via Material Participation (MaterialDemocracy)

The MaterialDemocracy project explores the future of democracy amid major societal changes related to climate change, urbanisation the green transition and species loss. These complex challenges have widespread consequences, creating unequal public participation and inclusion opportunities, disconnecting the public from decision-making and impacting their lives and communities. To address this gap, MaterialDemocracy creates an innovative material approach to democratic participation.

The project studies how citizens can better shape Finland’s long-term infrastructure, energy and environmental policies, the role of everyday actions and energy solutions in reducing social polarisation. We will establish the Material Democracy Hub (MD Hub), which will serve as a resource to build knowledge and strengthen capacity for promoting democratic reforms through stakeholder collaboration. It will also facilitate experiments and evaluations to enhance public involvement in shaping our democratic future.