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Description
The project is motivated by the fact that the NGOs and public sector do not have enough skills to work with multiple parties while solving problems. However, multi-stakeholder collective problem solving is a central part of participatory democracy. The final report of the Involvement and Impact Assessment Study by the Government Office (2018) states that the possibility of commenting on a draft posted in the information system is still considered sufficient for involvement by public sector organizations in Estonia. The report describes the actors in the policy-making process as “involving actors” and “involved actors” but not as equally important partners in finding solutions. Today''s practice of involvement can at best be called consultation and not substantive cooperation.
The OECD (2017) has also pointed out the same tendency in its reports, stating that almost all policy areas today are characterized by complexity – the factors influencing the various areas are intertwined and their connections cannot be fully defined. At the same time, however, NGOs and officials who should find solutions to multi-stakeholder problems do not have enough tools to manage the processes.
The project aims to increase the capacity of NGOs and state officials to design, manage, and promote participatory democracy in multi-stakeholder processes. To this end, two 8-day co-creation training programs and three web-based “co-creation sprints” will be developed and implemented. In order for co-creation to spread and take root in policy making, co-creation methodologies will be introduced to at least 150 officials in 24 workshops in co-operation with the Government Office. In co-operation with the Co-Creation Club, the nature and benefits of co-creation in promoting participatory democracy is introduced to the general public. This is planned through a series of webinars.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the skills gap among civil society organizations (CSOs) and public sector representatives in effectively collaborating with multiple stakeholders to solve complex problems. While multi-stakeholder problem-solving is a cornerstone of participatory democracy, current engagement practices remain limited.
The 2018 Involvement and Impact Assessment Study by the Government Office of Estonia found that public sector organizations still consider the ability to comment on draft policies through an information system as sufficient involvement. This approach treats stakeholders as "involved actors" rather than equal partners in decision-making, resulting in consultation rather than meaningful cooperation. Similarly, the OECD (2017) highlights that modern policy challenges are inherently complex, requiring coordinated, multi-stakeholder approaches. However, CSOs and public officials often lack the necessary tools and methodologies to navigate and manage these processes effectively.
This project aims to strengthen the capacity of CSOs and state officials to design, facilitate, and promote participatory democracy through inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement.
The project involved several key activities aimed at enhancing co-creation practices and participatory democracy. A co-creation leadership training program was designed and implemented, resulting in six training sessions with approximately 60 participants, equipping them with the skills to facilitate collaborative processes effectively. Additionally, a new co-creation sprint methodology was developed and tested through two online sprints and two in-person workshops, engaging 13 CSOs and community groups.
To further support public sector engagement, a series of 4-hour co-creation workshops were organized for government officials and their teams, reaching over 500 participants across 24 sessions. The project also included a series of webinars on co-creation and participatory democracy, with 14 sessions held and nearly 130 participants involved.
Beyond the initial project scope, efforts continued to expand the impact of the training program and co-creation sprint methodology through active promotion and sales, significantly strengthening SiLab’s capacity to offer services and build new partnerships. Additional achievements included updating the organization’s website, publishing articles on co-creation practices, and participating in the Open Government Working Group to further advocate for collaborative governance.
The project significantly enhanced SiLab’s operational capacity while promoting participatory democracy, open governance, and inclusive decision-making. A key indication of its impact is the development of the Open Governance Roadmap, which reflects a broader recognition and acceptance of the co-creation approach SiLab has been advocating. The fact that such a roadmap was created demonstrates that collaborative governance and stakeholder engagement are increasingly acknowledged at the national level, reinforcing the long-term relevance and sustainability of SiLab’s efforts.
Through the introduction and promotion of co-creation methodologies, the project contributed to a shift in how public sector organizations and CSOs engage in problem-solving. The increased awareness and adoption of these methods help pave the way for more inclusive, transparent, and effective policymaking.
The project also led to notable organizational growth, with SiLab’s budget more than doubling during the implementation period. This financial expansion underscores the necessity and sustainability of the project’s activities, enabling SiLab to continue its work beyond the project’s timeframe. As a result, the organization is now better positioned to expand its services, build new partnerships, and further embed participatory approaches in governance and civil society.