New Impulses for Co-Determination and Participation
How can democratic participation be strengthened beyond elections? This question marked the launch of the new discussion series “Democratic Innovations Lab Conversations” on 8 July 2026. The opening event brought together perspectives from municipal administration, state politics, and workplace co-determination.
The evening focused on different forms of democratic participation: Which participation formats are already working? Where do practical and institutional challenges remain? And how can new impulses for co-determination and citizen participation be created?
Sharing their experiences and perspectives were:
- Ursula Triebswetter, City of Munich – Department of Labour and Economic Development and Munich Urban Colab
- Timo Peters, Baden-Württemberg State Ministry – Unit for Civil Society and Citizen Participation
- Rainald Thannisch, ver.di – Co-Determination Division
Following the introductory contributions, the discussion was opened to the audience. The joint exchange brought together experiences from different participation contexts and explored ways to embed democratic innovations more firmly in social, political, and workplace structures.
The opening event made clear that democracy does not depend on elections alone. It requires accessible opportunities for participation, open dialogue, and structures that allow people to contribute their perspectives effectively.
Through the Democratic Innovations Lab Conversations, the Democratic Innovations Lab creates a space for exchange between academia, public administration, civil society, and practitioners. Future events in the series will explore different approaches to democratic innovation and open them up for joint discussion.
