The 7th edition of the ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference takes place on 5–6 May in Vienna. This year’s theme—Just Transition: Local Action for a Sustainable Future—highlights how communities can drive inclusive and climate-resilient change in their cities.
Author: pa@innovationinpolitics.eu
Cascais designated as European Capital of Democracy 2026
In a two-stage selection process involving Experts’ Jurors and over 4,500 citizens from over 47 countries, the City of Cascais (Portugal) was selected as “European Capital of Democracy 2026”. The title is a recognition of and a motivation for outstanding democratic efforts.
Deadline Extended for The Innovation in Politics Awards 2025
The call for submissions for The Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 has been extended until 10 April 2025! This extension provides a unique opportunity for more impactful projects from across Europe to be submitted and recognised.
Mayors as Mediators of Change: Navigating between Tradition and Transformation
Mayors as Mediators of Change: Navigating between Tradition and Transformation
Description: The role of the mayor is often seen as one of the most challenging and rewarding positions in politics. But what makes this position so intriguing to those who take it on?
Technologies for a strong democracy: Austria-wide Convention of Cities, Municipalities, Companies and Civil Society
The first Safe Democracy Convention gathered around 400 registered participants at the nationwide convention on technologies for citizen contact, data security and transparency in Vienna City Hall.
Our Climate Protection Impact: 1,300 kg CO2 offset since 2024
As of January 24, 2025, we are proud to report that we have compensated 1,300 kg of CO2 emissions through certified climate protection projects, offsetting all our air travel since 2024. This milestone is a testament to our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Safe Democracy Convention 2025: Technologies for citizen contact, data security, and transparency
More satisfied citizens with better services? Artificial intelligence in politics? Protection against fake news for cities and communities? The “Safe Democracy Convention 2025” will bring together for the first time all those who use new technologies to improve contact with citizens and thus strengthen democracy.
Record attendance at H2 Convention in Linz: Around 1000 participants at Austria’s largest hydrogen event
The H2 Convention 2024, organised by The Innovation in Politics Institute from 26 to 28 November in Linz, Austria, was a significant success, cementing its status as a premier platform for advancing hydrogen technology and industry transformation.
The Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 call for submissions is open
The eighth edition of The Innovation in Politics Awards has officially launched, opening the call for submissions to innovative projects and initiatives that tackle today’s most pressing challenges with bold and visionary solutions.
Vienna Begins Its Role as European Capital of Democracy 2024/25
Vienna has been named the European Capital of Democracy for 2024/25. On Tuesday evening, a ceremonial event marked the commencement of Vienna’s Democracy Year.
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Barcelona wraps up term as the first European Capital of Democracy
The closing ceremony on 6 November passed the European Capital of Democracy title from Barcelona to its successor, Vienna. For 14 months, Barcelona served as the European Capital of Democracy, leaving a lasting impact on democratic engagement.
Building a sustainable future through circular economy at re_use Linz Congress
At the end of October, Linz successfully hosted its first re_use Linz Congress, organised by The Innovation in Politics Institute. This marked a milestone in the city’s journey toward climate neutrality by 2040.
Kick-off to the upcoming H2 Convention in Linz
On 9 September, we held a press conference presenting the H2 flagship projects in Upper Austria and the greater Linz area ahead of the H2 Convention on 26-28 November in Linz.
Take the Lead on Inclusive Policy with Citizens’ Assemblies
This month, with the release of our second monthly Briefing ‘Citizens’ Assemblies for Inclusive Policy’ we bring you Dimitri Lemaire and Louise Humblet, Co-founder and Director of Operations for Particitiz in Brussels.
Our First Briefing on AI for Productivity in Political Work by Tim Gordon
Starting today, our monthly ‘Briefings’, designed for leaders, advisors and decision makers,provide a fast-paced, engaging and practical guide to topics at the forefront of political innovation.
First Edition of Truth, Lies & Democracy in Barcelona, 17-19 May
A hybrid on-site experience and activist game jam assembling the European gaming community to take a stand for democracy.
And the winners of the Innovation in Politics Awards 2024 are…
We are proud to announce the winners of this year’s Innovation in Politics Awards in each of the seven categories. At the official Awards Gala on 2 May 2024 at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, the exemplary projects from seven European countries received their well deserved trophy.
Europe’s Political Innovators Are Gathering at The Innovation in Politics Awards 2024
The Innovation in Politics Awards 2024 Gala and Conference will take place on 2 May in Barcelona. We are coming together again to honour Europe’s exceptional political innovators who are working to transform politics and society for the better.
Voices from the Citzens’ Jury of the Innovation in Politics Awards
The Citizens’ Jury plays a central role in evaluating the most prominent examples for innovation in politics. Meet three of our remarkable Citizen Jurors this year.
The Innovation in Politics Institute expands its range of services in Germany
The Innovation in Politics Institute is reforming and strengthening its German branch after the departure of its founder and managing partner, Josef Lentsch, as of 31 January 2024.
