INcrease Corporate political responsibility and Accountability
INCA project investigates the impact that digital platforms, so-called GAFAM (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft), have on European democracies, institutions, and public opinion.
INCA explores the growing influence of major digital platforms and their impact on European democracies, public institutions, urban governance and citizen participation. In a context where digital platforms increasingly shape access to information, public debate and social interaction, the project investigates how alternative and more democratic models can be developed to strengthen trust, social inclusion and citizen involvement. A central objective of INCA is to explore new forms of governance capable of responding to the growing influence of dominant digital platforms while promoting transparency, accountability and the public interest. The project focuses on the development and testing of participatory approaches in three different urban contexts, Bucharest, Bologna and Barcelona, through the establishment of Open Innovation Labs (OILs). These OILs bring together citizens, public administrations, civil society organisations, researchers and other relevant stakeholders to collectively explore the challenges associated with existing digital platforms and co-create principles and recommendations for alternative models. Through stakeholder engagement, participatory research and co-design activities INCA aims to identify ways in which digital platforms can better support democratic participation, improve access to information and public services, and strengthen transparency and accountability. Beyond its research dimension, INCA contributes to a broader reflection on the relationship between digital platforms, institutions and society, promoting critical thinking and supporting the development of more ethical, inclusive and community-driven digital environments.
