‘Democracy innovation: What could our contribution be? An international perspective and exchange’
The Gandiaga Topagunea Center in Arantzazu hosted the summer course “Democracy innovation: What could our contribution be? An international perspective and exchange” on June 25. The goals of the course were:
- Explore the strategies and initiatives of local institutions and key actors in fostering democratic culture and community building.
- Delve deep in our contribution to global debates on democracy innovation from our value system and engage in dialogue with local and international experts.
- Gain insights from international experts on strengthening democratic practices.
- Highlight the importance of deepening democratic culture in Basque society, bringing it into public debate, and encouraging institutional engagement in these dialogues.
In the following text, we have compiled the contents presented during the event and videos which capture the reflections of some of the speakers. The day began with the presentation by Irune Berasaluze, Deputy for Governance of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, who opened the course. Afterwards, two international experts conducted two inspirational keynotes:
- Hélène Landemore (Yale University) gave a lecture entitled “The Market, the Forum, and the Jury: Revisiting Models of Democracy”.
- Afterwards, Michael Saward (University of Warwick) delivered a talk on “The Challenges of Designing Democracy”.
Hélène Landemore –Yale University–
Michael Saward –University of Warwick –
In the second part of the day, two round tables were held. In those, we had the opportunity to learn about the strategies and projects of local institutions, as well as to hear about various initiatives that Arantzazulab will promote in collaboration with local stakeholders. In the first round table, representatives from local entities presented the strategies and projects they are developing to deepen democracy in our region. Under the title “Strategies and experiences of local institutions in deepening democratic culture and strengthening the sense of community”, we heard contributions from:
- Mikel Hidalgo, Coordinator of Social Innovation and the 2030 Agenda projects – Presidency, Basque Government;
- Ana Aguirre, Director of Open Government and Good Governance – Department of Governance, Digital Administration and Self-Government, Basque Government;
- Iosu Arraiz, Director of Strategy and Etorkizuna Eraikiz director – General Deputy’s Area, Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa;
- Ainhoa Arrona, researcher – Orkestra-Basque Institute of Competitiveness;
- Naiara Goia, Managing Director – Arantzazulab.
In the second round table, collaborators of the various initiatives promoted by Arantzazulab shared their experiences and we reflected on them. Under the title “Variations, scenarios, and opportunities for democracy in the 21st century. A conversation among the leaders of research and experimentation initiatives promoted by Arantzazulab”, presentations were given by:
- Andoni Eizagirre, Mondragon University;
- Arantxa Mendiharat, Deliberativa;
- Eider Aldape, Maraka;
- Maria Ajuria, Farapi Kooperatiba and a member of the Co-creation Ecosystem promoted by Arantzazulab;
- Beatriz Belmonte, Better Public Services and researcher in the “Democracy in the digital era” research promoted by Arantzazulab;
- and Ione Ardaiz, Projects Lead of Arantzazulab.
To conclude, Hélène Landemore and Michael Saward —together with the two directors of the summer course, Naiara Goia and Ione Ardaiz— presented the main ideas of the day and brought the summer course to a close. After the session, we gathered the reflections of the following speakers: