Forging digital public spheres for deliberative participatory budgeting: leveraging technology for equity and co-creation
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Abstract
Public budgeting has evolved from traditional control mechanisms to a critical instrument for strategic planning and promoting citizen participation. However, governments worldwide are facing mounting long-term fiscal pressures, compounded by the limitations of traditional participatory budgeting approaches that often lack meaningful deliberation and may become merely ceremonial. This research aims to address the question of how digital technologies can create and foster "digital public spheres" that facilitate in-depth deliberation in participatory budgeting processes, leading to equitable and fair resource allocation. This study employs a qualitative research approach using documentary research and narrative review methods to explore and synthesize knowledge regarding the potential of digital technologies in creating digital public spheres for deliberative participatory budgeting. The findings reveal that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and blockchain technologies with deliberative democracy principles can significantly enhance the efficiency and transparency of budget management. Specifically, AI and Natural Language Processing help make complex budget information more accessible, support predictive analytics, and detect anomalies or corruption. Meanwhile, blockchain technology creates real-time transparency through immutable data recording and smart contracts. Appropriate digital platform design must consider equal access, creating secure environments, and the roles of moderators and facilitators in promoting quality deliberation. Despite technical, institutional, and cultural challenges, creating digital public spheres for deliberative participatory budgeting represents a significant step forward in public governance reform. This approach creates new opportunities to promote citizen participation that is equitable, meaningful, and leads to more just resource allocation in society.
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