Political Influence Of Groups

group matters Researcher Tommi Laitio Demos Helsinki, www.demos.ﬁ Organisationernas politiska inﬂytande Soc & Kom, University of Helsinki 24/2/2012

“The role of a think tank is to valuate the future.” Mokka & Neuvonen (2011)

think tanks• a group of people who apply research• strive to inﬂuence decision making• independent of institutions• usually non-proﬁt• driven by an ideology, belief or a perception of human beings or society

three types of think tanks1. Politically Fabian Society renew political Emphasises the (UK), E2 (FIN) ideology, support importance ofaﬃliated political decision representativethink tanks making democracy and political parties2. Thematic Institute of Foreign gather and value Emphasises expert Policy (FIN), World information and knowledge andthink tanks Watch Institute, data, enhance insight, make OECD, EVA (FIN) understanding of a research applicable theme3. Ecosystems Demos Helsinki experiment new Emphasises (FIN), Young solutions, establish competing ways offor new ideas, Foundation (UK) new institutions, working and the“think and do ﬁnancing schemes need for newtanks” institutions(Mokka & Neuvonen 2011)

ﬂickr/redcountess (cc) Why think tanks are emerging?• disparity between people´s desire and possibility for making a diﬀerence in politics• rising freedom, education, consumerism (self-expression)• technological development• western identity project

think tanks in finland 2003: government support for party- 1967: 1974: aﬃliated Laitos Sitra EVA think tanks 1961: Demos OK DoInstitute of Helsinki Foreign Magma Policy

Demos helsinki• Wiki-democracy: politics where people together create solutions and not only select their leaders (demos)• Future• Happiness and Meaningfulness• Neighbourhood-level solutions and good cities• Green growth• 8 researchers• equal rights, equal pay, public value

democracy 2.0 andthe role of groups

we need to rethinkoil peak reached in 2006.co2 emissions cut by 80 % by2050 (from level in 1990).finns have more free time andmore education than ever.in 2030, population grows Population change 2003–2030mainly in big urban regions.

country brand of finland:finland has enormous potential to solvewicked problems on a global scale.

freedom and democracy are active states.freedom to / freedom from “Political questions are far too serious to be left to politicians.” (arendt)

society of competent and skillful groups

groups define what is considered normal• Examples: How we eat, live and dress? How we behave in a student building? How much energy we use compared to our neighbours?

groups support us when engaging in something new• Examples: North Karelia Project Restaurant Day

groups improve our wellbeing: we feel useful, competent and needed• Examples: Time Banks Volunteering Elderly Care

Traditional ways of thinking groups

Residents of Helsinki

Men Women

Children and young peopleWorking ageRetired

Residents ofSuburbs Downtown People

RichMiddle ClassPoor

StraightGay

cities ofcompetent groups

Dogowners

Dogowners Cross- country skiers

Dog owners Cross- countryResidents skiersofPaloheinä

Dog owners Cross- countryResidents skiersof SOK co-opPaloheinä members

Dog owners Cross- countryResidents skiersof SOK co-opPaloheinä members Cyclists

Community of Community of Interest GeographyResidents of Helsinki City Council City Administration

list 5 communities you belong to.identify five issues you could help the city in. discuss.

(Demos NOW) www.greaterhelsinkivision.ﬁ

combining deliberativedemocracy and design thinking connecting identifying communitiescommunities prototyping to wicked problems

hoas lab– social and responsible student housingProject of Demos Helsinki and Helsinki Region Student Housing Foundation Hoas

connecting identifying communities prototypingcommunities to wicked problems - testing in - interviews - brainstorming one building - meetings - building - trial and fail- observation partnerships - concept - scenarios - selecting ideas development

Fillarikanava Vetoa ja VoimaaCyclists and the city improving Improving the neighbourhood cycling in Helsinki. in a coalition of city oﬃcials, politicians, NGOs, church and business.

finland now has 320 municipalities.the suggestion is to reduce the number to 70.how could the collaboration between cities and people work in 70 municipalities?

theory of change

ONAL NATI(IN TER) POL ITICS emission limits, price for carbon, subsidies,... Climate acceptance for Low-Carbon new regulation Challenge Society participation, social innovations, lifestyle changes,... CITIE S, PE GRO ER UPS, COM PANI ES

Researcher Tommi Laitio Demos Helsinki twitter: tommilaitiotommi.laitio (a) demos.fi www.demos.fi

Political Influence Of Groups

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