ScaleDem invites practitioners, researchers, and public actors from around the world to take part in Reversing the Gaze, a new international workshop series exploring how democratic innovations can be scaled across different contexts.
As a project dedicated to bringing democratic innovation beyond the research sphere and into real-world policy, ScaleDem recognises that knowledge in this field remains fragmented, not only across disciplines, but also across regions. Too often, dominant frameworks are shaped by Eurocentric perspectives, despite many democratic practices having originated and evolved in other parts of the world.
The Reversing the Gaze series aims to challenge this imbalance by creating a space for exchange with experienced practitioners from outside Western Europe. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the workshops will contribute to building more inclusive and comparative approaches to scaling democratic innovations.
What to expect
Each online session will focus on a specific region and explore a shared question: What does scaling democratic innovation look like in different contexts?
Discussions will be grounded in practical experience, addressing what works, what doesn’t, and what lessons can be drawn across regions. The workshops are designed as interactive spaces for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Who should join
The series is open to mid- to senior-level professionals, including:
- practitioners in participatory and democratic processes
- public officials working on governance and civic engagement
- researchers and academics in democracy and participation
- civil society organisations and networks
When
Online sessions (3–4 hours) between May and June 2026:
- 7 May – Latin & South America
- 26 May – Eastern Europe & Balkans
- 17 June – Africa
- 29 June – Asia
Workshops will be held in English, except for the Latin America session (Spanish, with English subtitles).
Register your interest
Participation is free, but places are limited.
Fill in the registration form to express your interest and receive confirmation details:
‘Reversing the Gaze’ Scaledem online workshops – Register your interest! – Remplir le formulaire
Featured image by Alexandr Podvalny on Unsplash