Research
Academic research at Demos Helsinki
We seek to make original contributions to academic conversations, facilitate interactions between different societal actors, design methodological innovations in applied research, and make short-term instrumental interventions in complex institutional contexts.
Research approach
Action research
We study power dynamics and frictions in society and its institutions, and how these affect societal transformation. Our methods ensure increased deliberation as well as a society-wide assessment of our systems and institutions, their impact on the world, and their legitimacy.
Societal impact
Academic research at Demos Helsinki creates openings for societal transformation. We believe research can challenge harmful norms, illuminate societal structures that no longer serve us, uncover political pitfalls and, above all, expand our sense of what is possible.
What is "societal transformation" in research?
The concepts of transformation and transition sit at the core of our work. We conduct research on transformations by investigating the work done by others to respond to the crises of our times and transform towards desired futures. At the same time, we do research for transformation. The task of this research is to allow a clear-eyed society-wide deliberation and assessment of our systems and institutions, as well as the impact they have on the world, and how they align with the goals that our societies collectively set for themselves.
Thematic focus areas
Transformative governance
Our governance research explores the roles, forms and possibilities of political institutions and public administration to guide societal transformations while developing solutions, tools, and perspectives that facilitate this work.
Urban transformations
We seek novel insights and empowering interventions for urban and regional change. At the intersection of sustainability transformations and urban studies.
Transformations of democracy
We seek to understand and pursue a deep, vibrant renewal of our democracies, so that we are better able to grapple with the great transitions of our time.
Technology in society
Our research aims to analyse and understand the societal impact of emerging technologies, focusing on questions of participation, AI ethics, technology governance and equality.
Socio-ecological justice
We study and enrich public knowledge on what it takes to achieve just and sustainable societal transformation across different sectors and contexts via meaningful engagement, introspection and reflection.
Research portfolio
Demos Helsinki as a project partner
FRAMEWORK BUILDING
Demos Helsinki develops conceptual and analytical frameworks to be applied in projects. These frameworks can provide a common ground for joint work especially in trans- and interdisciplinary projects.
IMPACT & INTERACTION
Demos Helsinki drives societal impact by overseeing strategic stakeholder engagement and interaction, employing participatory methods like co-creation of research, experiments, and scenarios, and facilitating policy interactions that include policymaker engagement, analysis, and briefings to achieve the defined goals of research projects.
A PROMISING TRACK RECORD
We have invested greatly in our research portfolio and impact for the past five years. At the time of writing (winter 2024), we are active in 17 research projects, most of which have been funded by high-calibre funding programmes, such as Horizon Europe, FP7 and the Strategic Research Council of Finland.
VARIED RESEARCH BACKGROUNDS
Our academic researchers come from diverse disciplines: sustainability studies, political theory, organisational studies, urban planning, history, education, legal and political philosophy, sociology and geography.
METHODOLOGIES
We have strong expertise in qualitative research methods in social and urban sciences and a special focus on futures research methodologies and approaches, with approaches varying from inclusive coproduction of research with vulnerable target groups, to futures Delphi processes to machine learning tools in content analysis.
ADMINISTRATIVE & MANAGEMENT CAPACITY
We have a strong project management team with legal and financial expertise, and adequate structures to manage and coordinate research projects of different sizes and a variety of funding sources.
Our researchers
Our transdisciplinary team of researchers may seek to make original contributions to academic conversations, facilitate interactions between different societal actors, design methodological innovations in applied research, and make short-term instrumental interventions in complex institutional contexts.
Upcoming events
Anticipatory Policy Innovation and Decision Making masterclass
Demos Helsinki and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Executive Education offer an exclusive masterclass on anticipatory governance specifically tailored for public service leaders. Registration is open!
→ Continue reading