The relation between citizens, politicians and democracy is under development. There is a need for considering how to design the good dialogue in the future democracy. NIRAS has worked with involvement of the public and the users since “long before it was in fashion”. Our methods and tools are developed through many years and undergo continuous adjustments to adapt them to new tasks, needs and possibilities. We always plan the specific activities together with the customer.
Participatory planning has some basic principles:
- Clear goals and frameworks. Be clear on goals and frameworks from the start. Which subjects are up for debate, and how are the different inputs to be used?
- Involvement when it makes sense. Be clear as to which questions to discuss and with whom. It is a mistake in participatory processes if laymen are to answer specialist questions and professionals are made spokespersons for citizens
- An open process requires tight planning, control and communication. Open processes take courage; courage to not know where we land. It requires management too – and fixed boundaries within which to explore possibilities