Digital Transformation is Not Just About Technology, But Also Social Change and Digital Inclusion

The project promotes digital democracy and crowdsourcing, enabling citizens, organizations, and experts to collectively shape public policies using digital tools. One key concept promoted within the project is digital democracy, which focuses on using digital tools and technologies to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. Special attention is given to crowdsourcing, an innovative collective mobilization model where citizens, organizations, and experts work together to propose solutions and participate in policy creation.

Examples of successful crowdsourcing efforts in other countries were presented. For instance, in Iceland, this model was crucial in the constitutional reform process, where citizens had the opportunity to participate in creating a new constitution via digital platforms and social media. In Finland, the law on off-road traffic was created with extensive public involvement, ensuring transparency and greater legitimacy in the legislative process.

The project aligns with the EU’s 2030 Digital Decade goals but faces challenges such as a lack of digital skills, a shortage of ICT professionals, and gender disparities in the sector.

To address these issues, INDEU will conduct crowdsourcing campaigns from March to December 2025 in six countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Romania, and Spain), gathering citizens’ opinions and proposals. In January 2026, the collected data and suggestions will be analyzed, and in February 2026, advocacy events will be organized with decision-makers at national and European levels.

Magdalena Makar emphasized that citizen participation is crucial for shaping better public policies and encouraged all participants to contribute to the project by engaging in crowdsourcing, which is vital for a better digital future for the EU.

Presentation of SUSTANCE Project by HŽ Passenger Transport

Helena Luketić presented SUSTANCE project, which aims to improve sustainable public transportation through digital tools and the integration of various transport options. Pilot activities include the TRAIN N’ GREEN project, connecting bicycle routes and railway transport in Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, as well as an IT application by the Istrian Development Agency for better public transport trip planning. In the Emilia-Romagna region, Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is being tested, which is a flexible transport model based on user needs. Additionally, an online tool was developed within SUSTANCE to assess the availability of transport routes and support transportation policy-making. The project emphasizes the importance of long-term sustainability and cross-border cooperation in improving mobility.

Panel Discussion

After the presentations, a panel discussion followed, featuring:

• Žarko Čižmar (Telecentar)
• Mario Munta (Faculty of Political Science)
• Antonela Devčić (Faculty of Organization and Informatics)
• Lidija Suman (Ministry of Justice, Administration, and Digital Transformation, Directorate for Digital Economy, Digital Competence Development Sector)

The discussion was moderated by Lidija Pavić-Rogošić from ODRAZ. Panelists addressed issues of digital inclusion and explored possible solutions for reducing the digital divide, involving citizens in decision-making processes, and developing digital skills.

The panel highlighted several key challenges and recommendations related to education, digital transformation, and active citizenship.

One of the key issues raised was the low digital literacy of older citizens, as well as their fear of change and learning new skills. In this context, there was a call for live educational programs that would help older people adapt more easily to the digital age. On the other hand, young people need to develop more advanced digital skills to be competitive in the labor market.

Collaboration between the civil sector and academia is crucial in education, especially through involving young people in STEM projects. It is particularly important to encourage female high school students to pursue STEM fields with mentorship from women in the sector.

The need for developing critical thinking in students when consuming online content was also emphasized. Universities must adapt to changes, including the development of study programs related to artificial intelligence (AI). Collaboration with employers is essential. A problem remains, however, in motivating ICT professionals to become teachers.

Women are achieving successful careers in the IT sector, which can serve as an inspiration to further promote equality in this area.

One of the key problems raised in the panel was the lack of fostering active citizenship in schools. Citizen participation in societal processes is not adequately encouraged, and tools like digital technologies can help but are not a solution on their own. To enable citizens to make informed decisions and quality recommendations, it is necessary to ensure a knowledge base from which they can draw information and provide structured discussions in smaller groups. In such processes, citizens, facilitators, the academic community, and politicians need to participate, with strong support from governments and investment in democratic processes.

The panelists agreed that digital technologies cannot solve all challenges, but they can significantly assist if used safely and critically. One recommendation was to create participatory platforms that would facilitate better communication between citizens and the government.

It was concluded that digital transformation is not just a matter of technology but also of social change. The key lies in the development of education and learning with understanding, as only continuous investment in knowledge can ensure a successful adaptation to future challenges.

Announcement of the Online Crowdsourcing Campaign
In March, an online campaign will begin, focusing on gathering citizens’ opinions and suggestions on improving basic digital skills, addressing the shortage of IT professionals in Croatia, and strategies for encouraging more people, especially women, to engage and become experts in the ICT sector. Through this campaign, citizens will have the opportunity to actively participate in shaping future solutions for digital transformation and the development of the ICT sector.