INNLocal – Innovation in and through Local Governments

Abstract:
The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, defines the priorities and aspirations
of global sustainable development and seeks to mobilize global efforts around a set of common goals and
targets. In what has been declared the “decade of action”, 17 global goals aim to “leave no one behind” and
set sustainability targets, structured around 5 principles: Planet, People, Prosperity, Peace and Partnerships.
The 16th of these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, including
access to justice and the building of effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. In line with
the SDGs, the European Consumer Agenda 2020-2025 covers five key priority areas: green transition; digital
transformation; redress and enforcement of consumer rights; specific needs of certain consumer groups; and
international cooperation. The focus of European Union policies is to empower consumers to make informed
choices and play an active role in the green and digital transition, which means improving consumer
information, protecting them from unfair commercial practices, encouraging companies to act responsibly
and guaranteeing accessible and prompt resolution of conflicts between consumers and traders. The
involvement of local and regional authorities in consumer protection is essential in the implementation of
this Agenda. The European Committee of the Regions emphasizes the role of local authorities in informing
and educating consumers and promoting new consumption patterns and behaviors. Achieving the goal of
effective and inclusive institutions involves adjusting local services to local needs and supporting citizens in
exercising their rights, particularly in vulnerability and exclusion situations, due to factors such as age, social
circumstances, digital literacy, financial situation or location in remote areas. It is decisive to support
“initiatives providing local advice to consumers, who for structural or personal reasons do not have access to
support and information provided online or at central information offices” (European Commission, 2020).
The purpose of this communication is to assess Portuguese municipalities progress in relation to the SDG
targets for Justice and Strong Institutions and consumer empowerment policies. Our aim is mapping and
proposing best practices and municipal strategies, highlighting the importance of local communities as
drivers of development.

Abstract:
Implementing public policies that promote inclusion is a factor of equity, cohesion, sustainability and the development of a community. An inclusive society respects the fundamental rights of citizens, regardless of their religion, gender, age, social status, education or economic situation. These are policies that encourage access to education and training adapted to the needs of citizens with disabilities; that promote urban accessibility for people with reduced mobility; that encourage the hiring of minority groups; that provide access to affordable housing; that offer support for immigrants, refugees and/or victims of domestic violence, among others. In this way, it is possible to identify various dimensions of inclusion in which Local Authorities can play an important role in accelerating economic growth and the well-being of individuals. The aim of this study is to identify the inclusive policies adopted by the Portuguese Municipalities that comprise the CIM-TTM (by analysing documents and municipal websites). It also aims to propose innovative inclusive policies adapted to the specific context of each of the nine municipalities that make up the aforementioned Intermunicipal Community (Alfândega da Fé, Bragança, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Miranda do Douro, Mirandela, Mogadouro, Vila Flor, Vimioso and Vinhais), enabling them to be an active agent in the sustainable development of the region and the quality of life of its citizens. Intermunicipal Communities are made up of a group of municipalities in a given geographical area, which collaborate and cooperate with each other, promoting the planning and management of the regional economic, social and environmental development strategy, optimising the management of the respective services and resources. The CIM-TTM is composed of small towns and cities in the interior of Portugal, with low population density. Inclusive policies present themselves as an opportunity for local social and economic development, for reducing asymmetries and even for retaining and attracting population. This study is therefore highly relevant and could even be replicated in other Intermunicipal Communities in Portugal. Furthermore, the implementation of inclusive policies leads to a more effective local administration that is adapted to the needs of the population, promoting fairer and more equitable governance. Identifying these policies and presenting new proposals could contribute to these objectives, so the impact, fundamentally practical, of this research is expected to be significant.

Abstract:
Katherine is a consultant who has dedicated her career to her belief that we can be more together. Her work has taken her into groups organisations and communities all over the world, often working across boundaries to foster connection and cooperation. Katherine sees communities as the units of work and change in our society. However, whilst the internet has made us more connected than ever, we are living in an age of loneliness and isolation. In the Western world individualism and self-interest keeps us apart and so we cannot form healthy communities without active support. In 2016 Katherine was struck by the lack of community she felt in her local town and started an experiment which she named Community Conversations. The concept was simple – convene people from across different parts of the community to talk about the things that matter in the community so that they might find the agency to tackle the challenges themselves. The essential challenge of community development is to transform the isolation and self-interest into connectedness and caring for the whole. This might sound simple, but the Community Conversations experiment revealed how hard this can be and gave insights and learning that Katherine has applied to further community development work.

Abstract:
Local governments play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, particularly in culturally diverse regions. Through the promotion of local traditions and practices, they create platforms that encourage cross-community participation, bridging divides and nurturing unity. This paper examines the initiatives of the district administration of Udupi and Mangalore, located in the culturally rich region of Tulu Nadu in Coastal Karnataka, India. The local administrative units have utilized traditional customs such as Bhutaradhane (worship tradition), Kambala (slush track buffalo race – a community sport), and Yakshagana (folk theatre) to promote government programs and foster social cohesion. These practices not only help convey important governmental messages and measures on public health, education, and civic responsibilities but also bring diverse communities together, transcending barriers of caste and religion. Tulu Nadu, with its long-standing traditions rooted in agriculture, has historically embraced diversity through shared cultural practices that unify human and non-human actors as interconnected parts of a living system. While the region’s political climate has often been characterized by communal tensions, the cultural sphere strives for harmony and coexistence. Public participation in local traditions has continued to grow, crossing societal divisions. The Municipal Corporations of Udupi and Mangalore have played a pivotal role in leveraging these cultural spaces to build social bonds, enhance civic engagement, and promote collective well-being. The case study of Udupi and Mangalore provide insights into how local governance, when embedded in cultural practices, can strengthen the social fabric and foster a sense of belonging among diverse populations. Dr Praveen Shetty is the Coordinator – Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue and Assistant Professor at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal. Dr Neeta Inamdar is a Jean Monnet Chair and Research Professor at Symbiosis International University, Pune at present and Professor at Manipal Centre for European Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal (on sabbatical).

Abstract:
Since the 1990s, citizen participation in political planning and decision-making processes has increased considerably in Germany. Despite formal forms of participation such as elections or referendums, many citizens still do not feel sufficiently involved in political decisions. Additional participation formats are needed to increase acceptance of political decisions. Informal, dialog-oriented processes can help to better understand the concerns and wishes of residents and integrate them into planning and decision-making processes. Such participation processes promote the exchange and connection between citizens, politicians and the administration. The benefits of these processes are manifold for all stakeholders involved and, after initial skepticism, many decision-makers recognize the positive value of citizen participation and are increasingly integrating it into planning and decision-making processes – including in the area of tourism development. On the one hand, attractive cities serve as a living space for residents, but at the same time they also attract tourists. With the increasing number of guests, especially in urban destinations, there are increasing signs of congestion, known as overtourism. This can lead to conflicts between the needs of locals and tourists and reduce the acceptance of tourism among the population. As a result, there are protests and resistance to tourism from residents. Citizen participation plays a decisive role in promoting sustainable tourism development that is compatible with the city, as it can mediate conflicts of interest and raise awareness among all stakeholders involved. Through various participation formats, the needs of residents can be better taken into account and thus acceptance of tourists can be increased. Informal participation formats are presented with a focus on urban destinations. In addition, their actual influence on decision-making processes in tourism and the effects on tourist destinations are examined and possible limitations in implementation are discussed. Finally, recommendations for action to improve and intensify citizen participation are presented.

Abstract:
The Draghi report has once again made clear that the key to decarbonisation, economic transformation and social cohesion is innovation. However, becoming innovative is a challenging task, both for companies and for municipalities. Since innovation is a complex process of interaction between stakeholders from different backgrounds, a simple top-down-oriented policy approach will not suffice. Instead, policies such as mission orientation celebrate a comeback as a way of combining top-down and bottom-up, direction and independence, as well as market and state. Grand challenges such as the green transition appear to require such an approach of joining forces to be successful, disruptive and comprehensive in a short period of time. The presentation will focus on the role of regions and municipalities in a green transition and the role played by innovation systems in this context. Using the example of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, it will be demonstrated how small-scale territories work as catalysts for innovation by creating networks and supporting the transfer of theoretical knowledge into practice and how this effort contributes to transforming economy and society towards sustainability.

Abstract:
This study aims to analyse the potential of participatory budgeting to be effective as a tool for mitigating and adapting to climate change in local authorities in Portugal. Our objective was to explore how these practices can be adapted to address climate challenges, contributing to the development of a new generation of participatory budgets that focus on environmental and climate issues while at the same time attracting citizens’ attention to the relevance of participation in political decision-making. Through a detailed qualitative analysis of the data collected, we could assess the current situation and identify the potential and limitations of these budgets in the context of climate change. Our research revealed that municipalities and parishes in Portugal have the necessary resources and capacities to implement participatory practices that address climate issues effectively. However, we also identified a need for reforms and adjustments to ensure that participatory budgets dedicated to climate issues can significantly contribute to citizen participation, particularly in implementing the proposed projects. These adjustments could include improvements to the participation structure, greater education and awareness about climate issues and the importance of public participation, and the implementation of mechanisms to ensure that community suggestions and priorities are effectively integrated into budget decisions. In short, while there is considerable potential to use participatory budgeting as a tool to tackle climate change, the necessary changes must be made to maximise the impact and effectiveness of these practices. As a result, local authorities can involve citizens more actively and promote sustainable and adaptive solutions to local climate challenges based on the perspective of the individuals most affected by climate change.

Abstract:
The “Jovens Autarcas” project, initiated by the Municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares, is a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering active citizenship and empowering young people, running since 2018. By replicating the local electoral process, the project provides a platform for youth aged 14 to 18 to engage in political decision-making. Through the election of young representatives, the project seeks to cultivate a sense of responsibility and civic engagement among the younger generation. The elected “Jovens Autarcas” are granted a budget (10.000€/year) to implement their proposed projects, promoting a hands-on approach to problem-solving and community development. Moreover, the initiative serves as a valuable learning experience, equipping young participants with essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. By providing a space for youth to express their ideas and concerns, the “Jovens Autarcas” project contributes to the creation of a more inclusive and democratic community. Ultimately, this project aims to inspire future generations of engaged citizens and to strengthen the bond between the municipality and its youth.

Abstract:
The GOLL-GREEN OLYMPIC LIVING LAB SPORT & ENVIRONMENT CHANGE project by the Municipality of Coimbra, co-financed by the European Union (reference 101118233-GOLL-PPPA-SPORT-2022-PEOPLE-PLANET), represents a progressive vision where sporting activity and the environment are linked through a systemic context (actions in environmental spaces and actions to improve energy and water efficiency in sports buildings) and the use of pedagogy. The project’s objectives are: 1) To promote citizens’ environmental awareness through the context of sport; 2) To create a green laboratory of sporting life (Olympic Pavilion) to serve as an inspiration; 3) To lead good practices to improve the environmental sustainability of sporting activities. At the moment, various energy and water monitoring actions are being implemented at the Mário Mexia Multisports Pavilion and the Olympic Swimming Centre as the basis for the living laboratory, and some energy consumption reduction elements have already been implemented in the GOLL Green Lab visitor space In study, there is a relationship with a self-consumption production unit, a system for the reuse of water from cleaning swimming pool filters, a green wall, the implementation of a hydrogen system in sports vehicles, workshops for sports managers and builders, the organisation of more environmentally friendly sporting events (e.g. green labels), the implementation of sporting activities that serve as a means of environmental education (e.g. hiking and cycling) and a sports and environmental education route APP. There are several difficulties in implementing the initial project, such as a self-consumption production unit of the size required for the consumption of the infrastructures mentioned (financial and legal restrictions), reusing water for swimming pools and public spaces (legal and operational restrictions).

Abstract:
Around the world, the use of new technologies has grown exponentially, transforming the way people
communicate at a distance, now more often through digital platforms than through other traditional means.
Alongside this technological advance, there has been a worrying decline in citizen participation in interactions
with governments, reflected in rising abstention rates, including in local elections, traditionally the closest
level of governance to the citizen. Faced with this scenario, governments are recognising the need to get
closer to the population, and one of the strategies to achieve this is to incorporate new digital tools into
communication with citizens, who are constantly present and active in these spaces. The digital
communication channel most used by municipalities is the official website of each town hall. This study
analyses the content of the citizen participation functionalities made available through this medium, covering
the 30 municipalities that make up the Portuguese archipelagos. The archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira
are more exposed to natural disasters than the mainland, due to major floods such as the one that occurred
in Madeira in 2010 and the recurrent seismic activity associated with the Azorean Triple Junction, so digital
communication channels play an important role in managing these problems. Throughout the study, the
citizen participation policies available on the websites analysed are presented. In order to understand the
asymmetries in digital citizen participation tools, a geographical exploratory analysis was carried out, with
the construction of an e-participation index based on the functionalities of the websites, consisting of five
indicators: the possibility to send suggestions, complaints and denunciations; to make online requests for
garbage collection and street cleaning; to vote online on public policies; to respond to satisfaction surveys;
and to share events witnessed by citizens, from natural disasters to road accidents. The results show that the
archipelago of Madeira has a more advanced level of e-participation compared to the Azores. Among the
nine islands of the Azores archipelago, the eastern group of islands has the highest level of e-participation
(54 per cent), as opposed to the central group (33 per cent). To understand the factors behind these
asymmetries, a correlation table and a cluster analysis were carried out between the e-participation index
and the determinants identified in the literature. It was found that a higher level of e-participation is
associated with a lower number of mayoral terms, a smaller margin of victory in municipal elections and the
fact that the mayor is a woman. This study offers an expanded perspective on the functionalities that local
council websites can incorporate, while presenting the first detailed portrait of e-participation in the
Portuguese archipelagos. It also explores the impact of certain factors on the promotion of online citizen
participation, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of e-participation in specific
regional contexts.

Abstract:
“New Look: People with Disabilities in the Innovation Area” will highlight the importance of promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWD) in the innovation ecosystem. Data on the labor market situation for people with disabilities will be presented. Among the main points that will be addressed will be the role of diversity as an essential factor in enriching innovative processes, showing how the active participation of them, it can offer unique perspectives and bring creative solutions to face technological and social challenges. The lecture will also bring examples of success, demonstrating how people with disabilities have directly contributed to the development of assistive technologies and innovative products. And finally, it will show a project being developed with a strategy to link companies and people with disabilities.

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Abstract:
The transformation of South Africa from apartheid state to an inclusive and diverse democracy had major implications for the public service. Historically disadvantaged South Africans, including Black African, Coloured, Indian South Africans, as well as women, and other disadvantaged groups such as differently abled persons, were appointed into the public service, as was legally required, in order to deliver on the goal of equitable delivery to all South Africans. Local government is the key deliverer of services to South Africans, and the pressure has been immense to deliver to sizeable urban, peri-urban and rural settlements. At the same time, the local government teams responsible for service delivery are made up of South Africans from both oppressed and oppressor groups, emerging from a history of exclusion, trauma, mistrust, bias and stereotyping. For the past 20 years, Chantelle Wyley has supported transformation processes in the South African public service, as a coach of leaders and teams, and as an organisation development and change management consultant. Given the context, her work has required psychologically sophisticated approaches to supporting team functionality and leadership. This approach signals a movement away from conventional consulting and change approaches, to ones that consider workplace systems as human interaction systems, as complex adaptive systems, where the ability to change, and develop capacity, depends on interventions that understand and cater for human behaviour, individual and in groups.