OAFP 8015 - Open Government and Democratic Innovations in the Age of AI

This course examines how democratic innovations address complex policy challenges—from local climate action to global governance—through deliberative and participatory approaches. We explore Open Government as a framework for embedding participation throughout the policy cycle, examining how civic technologies enable new forms of collaborative governance. As artificial intelligence transforms policy making, we investigate how societies are developing public digital infrastructure and data governance frameworks that align with democratic values. Throughout the course, we trace the evolution from local participatory experiments to global governance challenges, exploring how Open Government approaches might scale to address increasingly complex policy issues. Special attention is paid to emerging frameworks for governing both digital infrastructure and AI systems in ways that enhance rather than undermine democratic participation. Through case studies, practical examples, and critical analysis, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of how Open Government and democratic innovations can help shape the future of governance in the AI age.

Raphaël POUYE

Enseignement électif

English

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. David Van Reybrouck's Against Elections (2016) and Hélène Landemore's Open Democracy (2020) are good primers on democratic innovations. Suggested background readings on civic technologies, and open, democratic governance of Artificial Intelligence include Tiago Peixoto and Micah Sifry's Civic Tech in the Global South (2017) and Aviv Ovadya's article “Reimagining Democracy for AI” (2023).

Spring 2024-2025

Course assessment consists of: ● Group presentation (30%): Students will work in groups of four or five to deliver oral presentations during Sessions 4, 8 and 12. Topics will be assigned during the introductory session (Session 1). ● Individual assignment (50%): Students will submit a written essay providing a critical assessment of a case study on artificial intelligence in democratic innovation and/or participatory governance. The essay must be submitted via Moodle by the end of term. Detailed guidelines and submission deadlines will be provided during Session 1. ● Class participation and reading comprehension (20%): Students are expected to contribute actively to class discussions and demonstrate their understanding of the required readings.

The course delivery combines formal lectures and interactive sessions, organised into three main themes: 1. Democratic Innovations: From Crisis Response to Complex Policy Solutions 2. Open Government: Embedding Participation Across the Policy Cycle 3. Digital Democracy Infrastructure: From Civic Tech to AI Governance Each theme concludes with a half-session dedicated to student group presentations, which expands upon the topics and case studies covered in class. Every session includes a 15-minute discussion of required reading material. Active debate and dialogue are encouraged throughout the course. Guest speakers from the field will join selected sessions to present detailed case studies and share their professional experience.