[ Foundation for Technology Assessment (TA Swiss) | Research funding on the digitalisation of democracy ]

TA Swiss was established in 1992 and in 2008 it became a competence center of the Swiss Academies of Sciences. TA Swiss supports interdisciplinary expert studies and participatory projects analysing how new technologies have revolutionized everyday life and social life. The resulting recommendations contribute to the discussions held at the Swiss Parliament and Federal Council, particularly on controversial technological issues. Besides politicians, the Foundation communicates these results also to economic and administrative specialists, as well as the media and interested citizens.
 
TA Swiss is pleased to announce the launch of a new call for proposals titled “Citizens and institutions facing the digitalisation of democracy in Switzerland: challenges and prospects”. If the discussions around electronic voting have been going on for several years, other initiatives, known as "civic tech" are emerging. These initiatives seek, for instance, to digitize the tools that encourage participation and make the public thing more attractive. Don’t we risk, however, to leave part of the population behind? Are all actors equal in the face of digitalisation, which requires significant financial and human resources to be implemented in an optimal way? What is the role of the State in this context?
 
The proposed interdisciplinary project must evaluate from different angles the opportunities and risks associated with the digitalization of the Swiss democracy. Priority will be given to opinion forming and participation.
 
Who can apply: Applicants from university institutes or scientific offices.
 
Funding & Duration: between CHF 50'000 and 100'000 for 12-15 months.
Eligible costs: personnel and project-related costs, including overheads and, if applicable, TVA.
 
Deadline: 14 July 2019
Application: max. 15 pages without annexes to be submitted in PDF format to [email protected].
Start of the project: Autumn 2019
 
For further information: please have a look at the call webpage, the call guidelines and the call documents as well as TA Swiss flyer.