The Austrian Democracy Lab (ADL) analysed the state of democracy in Austria and developed reform proposals for its further development. In its work, the Lab used a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods.
The Democracy Radar, a population study on the topics of democracy and politics in Austria, took centre stage. In this large-scale population survey, around 4,500 people were interviewed every six months, both by telephone and using an online questionnaire. The study made it possible to trace developments precisely and to show changes in attitudes at different regional levels.
In addition to general questions, the Democracy Radar always focussed on a current topic, such as trust in politics or the vision of Europe. The study was scientifically analysed, presented at press conferences and specialist conferences and prepared for publication in national and international journals. In addition, qualitative methods such as the use of storytelling interviews made it possible to understand the attitudes of the population even better.
The ADL benefited from the combination of different methods, as the results of one perspective were able to enrich the conceptualisation of the other perspective. Finally, reform proposals for the further development of the system were presented on the basis of the analyses and subsequently discussed with political actors. Finally, the democratic policy discourse was a major concern of the ADL. To ensure an active and lively public debate, the lab team published a weekly blog on current issues in domestic politics. Other forms of social media were also used to increase the communication of scientific expertise to the outside world.
The project was planned to run for five years, after which it came to an end.
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