Digital innovation applied to public policy formulation: popular participation mechanism and citizenship achievement

A inovação digital aplicada na formulação das políticas públicas: mecanismo de participação popular e concretização da cidadania

Abstract

The study, using analytical-deductive methodology, through bibliographic research, aims to discuss popular participation in the formulation of public policies, in addition to mechanisms of representative democracy. The hypothesis is that public policies are the means which the State implements constitutional precepts and their formulation must rely on the direct participation of the population through the collection and processing of information from different interest groups or social organizations. It seeks to demonstrate greater popular participation leads to reduction in discretion of the Executive Branch, ultimately reaching society's objective of becoming a part of decisions that affect it. In this light, new technologies have power to facilitate evaluation of public policies, in addition to enabling greater state efficiency both in its administrative organization and in  provision of public services through mechanisms of participation and monitoring by citizens. As a result, greater transparency and quality in meeting demands are achieved, as well as savings for the State. In view of the challenges faced, especially the digital inclusion of the poorest and most vulnerable population in Brazil, it is concluded that the elaboration of public policies, in a modern perspective, involves publicizing the debate in the public sphere as a measure of achieving citizenship.