A Key to Success? Scrutinising the Communication of Knowledge in the Interpretation of Participatory Budgeting in Finland, Poland and the UK (2017-2022)
This research examines how participatory budgeting (PB), a globally celebrated public engagement method, has been interpreted in diverse contexts of urban governance.
Participatory budgeting engages citizens to discuss, prioritise and conduct decisions on the use of public funds. The study asks what particularities of participatory budgeting enable its successful translation to a local public engagement tool, and what role do the different forms of knowledge play in the process. The research is funded by the Academy of Finland.
What we do?
This research investigates participatory budgeting through case studies in Finland, Poland and the UK in order to learn what particularities of participatory budgeting enable its successful interpretation in local public engagement. Data consists of ethnographic observations, interviews and group discussions with civil servants, associations and citizens that have taken part in PB to unravel the local dynamics of participatory budgeting.
The research contributes new theoretical insight into the studies of public engagement and governance and produces novel practical knowledge for municipalities and professionals dealing with public engagement in urban governance.
Researchers:
Pauliina Lehtonen