7 Civic Digital Participation for Rural Development: Lessons from a German Survey of LEADER Regions
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Veronika Stein
Abstract
This chapter explores the intersection of technological infrastructure and civic engagement within the framework of the ‘smart village’ concept, an initiative stemming from the 2016 Cork Declaration 2.0. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding digitally connected and participatory rural development, there is limited research on the role of civic digital participation beyond isolated case studies. This chapter aims to fill this gap by presenting the findings of a 2020 survey conducted in rural regions of Germany, examining the state of digitization and citizen participation in regional development. The survey results highlight key regional characteristics, the involvement of core actors, and the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital tools for participatory decision-making. From these insights, the chapter draws broader lessons for LEADER regions in Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing the importance of local factors, resources, and the integration of digital and non-digital formats in fostering civic participation. The chapter concludes by discussing the expanding role of social and political citizenship at the local level and its potential to strengthen social cohesion in rural areas.
Abstract
This chapter explores the intersection of technological infrastructure and civic engagement within the framework of the ‘smart village’ concept, an initiative stemming from the 2016 Cork Declaration 2.0. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding digitally connected and participatory rural development, there is limited research on the role of civic digital participation beyond isolated case studies. This chapter aims to fill this gap by presenting the findings of a 2020 survey conducted in rural regions of Germany, examining the state of digitization and citizen participation in regional development. The survey results highlight key regional characteristics, the involvement of core actors, and the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital tools for participatory decision-making. From these insights, the chapter draws broader lessons for LEADER regions in Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing the importance of local factors, resources, and the integration of digital and non-digital formats in fostering civic participation. The chapter concludes by discussing the expanding role of social and political citizenship at the local level and its potential to strengthen social cohesion in rural areas.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- Series Editor’s Preface vii
- List of Figures and Tables ix
- Notes on Contributors x
- Approaching Citizenship in Central and Eastern Europe 1
- Theorizing Citizenship Practices in Europe 18
- Polarizing the Curriculum: Culture Wars about Citizenship and Civic Education 43
- European Parliament Elections in East Central Europe: Participation, Eurosceptic Voting, and Perceptions of Young People 64
- Long-Distance Citizenship in East Central and Eastern Europe 89
- Digital Technologies and Citizen Agency During Crises: Democratic Engagement in Ukraine and Belarus 109
- Civic Digital Participation for Rural Development: Lessons from a German Survey of LEADER Regions 138
- Being or Becoming Political? Performative Citizenship in Central and Eastern Europe 158
- Participation Disempowered: Polish Participatory Budgeting and a Missed Chance for Citizen Empowerment 180
- Attitudes of German Youth Regarding the War in Ukraine 204
- Concepts of Citizenship in the Educational Materials of the EU and the Council of Europe 221
- Citizenship Education in Central and Eastern Europe: Perspectives and Desiderata of Transnationally Networked NGOs 241
- The Politics of Civic Education in the Post-Yugoslav Region 257
- Charting Paths Forward for Citizenship in Central and Eastern Europe 279
- Index 292
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- Series Editor’s Preface vii
- List of Figures and Tables ix
- Notes on Contributors x
- Approaching Citizenship in Central and Eastern Europe 1
- Theorizing Citizenship Practices in Europe 18
- Polarizing the Curriculum: Culture Wars about Citizenship and Civic Education 43
- European Parliament Elections in East Central Europe: Participation, Eurosceptic Voting, and Perceptions of Young People 64
- Long-Distance Citizenship in East Central and Eastern Europe 89
- Digital Technologies and Citizen Agency During Crises: Democratic Engagement in Ukraine and Belarus 109
- Civic Digital Participation for Rural Development: Lessons from a German Survey of LEADER Regions 138
- Being or Becoming Political? Performative Citizenship in Central and Eastern Europe 158
- Participation Disempowered: Polish Participatory Budgeting and a Missed Chance for Citizen Empowerment 180
- Attitudes of German Youth Regarding the War in Ukraine 204
- Concepts of Citizenship in the Educational Materials of the EU and the Council of Europe 221
- Citizenship Education in Central and Eastern Europe: Perspectives and Desiderata of Transnationally Networked NGOs 241
- The Politics of Civic Education in the Post-Yugoslav Region 257
- Charting Paths Forward for Citizenship in Central and Eastern Europe 279
- Index 292
