The 2025 Participedia Summer School on Digital Democracy, co-hosted by Participedia, Deakin University, Tsinghua University and the International University of Japan brought together a dynamic cohort of nearly 100 participants for a four-day, two-country exploration of democratic participation in the digital age. Held across Tsinghua University in Beijing and the International University of Japan in Niigata, the program was a vibrant showcase of interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
The first two days at Tsinghua University immersed participants in foundational concepts of digital governance and participatory democracy. Highlights included masterclasses by Professor Archon Fund (Harvard University) and Professor Baogang He (Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation), who unpacked emerging research on digital deliberation and civic technology.
The journey continued in Japan, where the International University of Japan hosted the final two days of the program. These sessions shifted focus toward the institutional and ethical dimensions of digital democracy, with participants engaging in collaborative design sprints and simulations such as EMPAVILLE – a role-playing exercise that challenged teams to navigate complex governance scenarios using digital tools.
Participants explored how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain could be used to enhance transparency, accountability and citizen engagement. The sessions also delved into the risks and dilemmas posed by digital platforms, including misinformation, surveillance and algorithmic bias. These discussions were enriched by the diverse perspectives in the room, with students and scholars from over a dozen countries contributing insights shaped by their local contexts.
A standout feature was site visit to local government offices in China and Japan, where participants observed real-world applications of digital governance. These experiences grounded theoretical discussions in practical realities, offering a comparative lens on how different societies are adapting to the digital age.
Professor Baogang He, who co-organised the Summer School, emphasised the importance of such international and interdisciplinary initiatives in shaping the future of democratic innovation.
“Digital democracy is not just a technical challenge, it’s a deeply human one. This program has shown how global collaboration can help us imagine and build more inclusive and responsive democratic systems.”
The Summer School concluded with a collective reflection session, where participants shared key takeaways and future aspirations. Many expressed a renewed commitment to advancing digital democracy in their own communities, armed with new knowledge, networks and a shared vision for ethical and participatory digital futures.
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