Act.Now and Innovation in Politics Institute join forces
- Headquartered in Vienna, the organisation develops international programmes aimed at modernising democracy and improving political parties
- First company merger completed solely using video conferencing and home working
Vienna, 1 April 2020 – Vienna-based think tank Act.Now and The Innovation in Politics Institute are merging, the directors and owners of both organisations announced today. The link-up has been in the works for some time. Both organisations have been running international programmes in support of politicians for several years now, with a focus on strengthening social cohesion in cities, modernising parties and developing democratic institutions.
“The newly merged organisation will employ 20 people in Vienna and will be represented in 15 European countries. The merger paves the way for us to create the conditions to quickly become a leading address for politicians in Europe,” said CEO Edward Strasser.
“Act.Now and The Innovation in Politics Institute have both developed successfully since their foundation. Together, they will be able to work even more effectively to achieve their goals – such as modernising democracy and strengthening social cohesion, for communities as well as for nationwide institutions,” commented Patricia Kahane, co-founder of both organisations.
From now on, the new group will make its integrated knowledge and international contacts available to its customers and partners in politics. The team will be able to draw on best practice and experience from a total of around 2,000 successful political projects connected with the Europe-wide Innovation in Politics Awards, the International Mayors’ Conference NOW and the NOW Mayors’ Network, as well as an ongoing programme for the renewal of political parties and a growing youth programme for political education with participants from various countries.
First company merger finalised solely using video conferencing and home working
Due to the current situation surrounding the coronavirus, the merger and associated reorganisation are being carried out exclusively via video conferencing and remote working.
“Our clients in politics now also have to work with video and innovative formats in online conferences. After completing our merger entirely by means of video conferencing, we are pioneers and can now make this know-how available to our partners and customers,” Strasser pointed out.
The merger of the two teams will take place under the umbrella of The Innovation in Politics Institute. Act.Now’s activities will continue and all employees will remain on board. With its focus on social cohesion and youth work at the municipal level, Act.Now will expand within the new group over the coming months to become a Europe-wide centre of excellence.
Edward Strasser will remain at the helm of The Innovation in Politics Institute, with Helfried Carl, Josef Lentsch and Ronny Zuckermann as Managing Partners. The previous Managing Director of Act.Now, Catrin Neumüller, will take on a new role as Senior Advisor.
About The Innovation in Politics Institute
https://innovationinpolitics.eu/en/
The Innovation in Politics Institute is an international political enterprise that aims to strengthen democracy in Europe and beyond, by identifying, developing and applying innovation in politics. With representations in 15 countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom), and working in cooperation with the most innovative leaders across all political levels, the institute co-creates cutting-edge programmes for tomorrow’s politics, today.
About Act.Now
Act.Now is an independent initiative that strengthens social cohesion in communities, cities and regions. It brings together a network of committed mayors, civil society initiatives, NGOs, institutions, public bodies, experts and young people at national and international levels. The geographical focus of Act.Now’s activities extends from Northern Europe to the Middle East.
Photo link: bit.ly/merger_ipi-actnow
Caption: “Merger via video conference: Act.Now and The Innovation in Politics Institute have joined forces.”
Photo credits: The Innovation in Politics Institute
Project links:
- Innovation in Politics Awards: https://innovationinpolitics.eu/en/awards/
- International Mayors’ Conference NOW: https://www.now-conference.org/
- NOW Mayors’ Network: https://www.act-n-o-w.com/mayors-network/
- Political Startup Incubator: https://ps-i.org/
- Youth Programme: https://www.act-n-o-w.com/youth-focus/
Contact:
Robert Schafleitner
The Innovation in Politics Institute
E: rsc@innovationinpolitics.eu
T: +43 (0) 660 628 30 77
