PEP-NET

The project aims to help overcome fragmentation and promote best practice by connecting established and experienced eParticipation players and networks throughout Europe as a critical first step. The objective of this project is to achieve critical mass for the establishment of a Pan European eParticipation Network (PEP-NET). Such a network will act as a repository and disseminator of good practice and exchange of experience, and be a visible resource for all interested parties across the European Union. PEP-NET will ensure wider access to European eParticipation projects and permit more effective dialogue between eParticipation experts, researchers, practitioners, public administrations, civil society organisations and the interested public with the ultimate goal of facilitating knowledge transfer, encouraging further eParticipation trials and establishing European leadership in this field. To do so, PEP-NET will seek to showcase participatory technologies “in action” by leveraging the full potential of popular Web 2.0 and 3.0 tools such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Second Life. Ultimately, PEP-NET will use these new social networking tools to increase the availability of ICT-based solutions for public participation, thereby helping to achieve one of the main objectives of the ICT PSP work programme.