As governments worldwide confront increasingly complex challenges, the effective use of emerging technologies has become central to fostering more inclusive, transparent, and participatory democratic processes. This study exemplifies the OECD’s commitment to advancing knowledge on how innovation ecosystems can catalyse the development and adoption of technologies that enhance citizen participation.
Focusing on Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands, this study provides an in-depth assessment of these nations’ innovation ecosystems. These ecosystems encompass a network of actors—including public administrations, private sector entities, academia, and civil society organisations—that collaborate to develop technological solutions aimed at achieving shared goals. In the context of this study, these goals revolve around empowering citizens and enhancing participatory governance through technology.
The main purpose of this study is to enable public administrations to better understand innovation ecosystems and their role in catalysing the development and use of emerging technologies to improve citizen participation.
The research uses a systemic mapping methodology to examine the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities within these ecosystems. By doing so, it provides insights that can help policymakers and stakeholders better understand the intricate web of relationships and interactions that drive innovation in this space. The findings presented here serve as a resource not only for public administrations but also for all members of the innovation ecosystem, offering actionable recommendations to address shared barriers and seize opportunities for improvement.
While each country’s innovation ecosystem has distinct characteristics, the research highlights the critical role of local governments as drivers of demand, experimentation, and innovation in all three. It also underscores the importance of national and international networks in sharing knowledge and scaling initiatives. Yet, challenges persist, including the need for strategic national direction, the promotion of digital inclusion, and the development of public sector capacities to manage participatory technologies effectively. This study provides practical recommendations to address these challenges.
By shedding light on the strengths and weaknesses of these innovation ecosystems, this study equips governments and stakeholders with the tools to foster environments where emerging technologies can thrive. In doing so, it contributes to a shared vision of more inclusive, participatory, and responsive governance across OECD Member countries and beyond.
This study forms part of the broader work programme of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support innovation in public governance.
It was approved and declassified by written procedure by the OECD Public Governance Committee on 16 January 2025 and prepared for publication by the OECD Secretariat.