Understanding eParticipation State of Play in Europe

Abstract

In this article, we develop a three-layered analytical framework for investigating the development of eParticipation in Europe, which incorporates the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of eParticipation, and also accounts for the action of external factors. This analytical framework was used as a basis of a questionnaire survey among eParticipation initiatives at the European, national, regional, and local levels. It has been concluded that, in most cases, eParticipation simply provided a suitable alternative channel for participatory activities and did not challenge institutionalized centers of power.