Cities (or urban areas) are constantly faced with important challenges that necessitate investment in innovative solutions (notably ICT-based) to improve the quality and efficiency of their infrastructures and services. Some anticipate and are leaders in adopting smarter development models. They play also a pioneering role in engaging the user in the innovation process.
Cologne was the first major city in Germany to implement a citizens’ budget based on Neues Kommunales Finanzmanagement (NKF) [new local finance management]. The pilot project for the 2008 citizens’ budget saw the simultaneous launch by the city council of a new “e-participation” service, which aims to support the involvement of citizens by means of the internet in a way that is effective, transparent and activity-oriented. The e-participation approach used in Cologne goes beyond the somewhat more selective methods of participation practised in other local authorities to date. With political backing, Cologne city council is travelling a new, far-reaching road in terms of the direction and involvement of its citizens, as the intention is to transfer the system of participation to be tested in the citizens’ budget to all specialised procedures coming under public scrutiny.
In this way, e-participation will be developed into a service provided as standard by the local authority for its citizens.