Dialogue and consultation on conflictual societal issues in the new digital era

We are experiencing a time of ecological and social transformation that redefines the boundaries between governments, markets and civil society.

This is particularly true for the natural resource governance sector where the interphase between industry and society has become an important political arena. There is a growing demand for forums that bring these actors together in common talks about the future. While earlier research has focused on face-to-face communication, we note how contemporary debates take place online.

However, our knowledge about the promises and pitfalls of online communication on complex societal issues is very limited.

The aim of this project is therefore to investigate how digital forums should be designed to foster deliberation, result in beneficial outcomes for involved actors and give rise to more informed, and legitimate, processes and decisions.

The research entails comparative case studies of industry-initiated consultation processes in the highly controversial mineral sector.

Research findings are relevant for industries, interest organizations and governmental authorities in their attempt to sustain deliberation on contested social problems.

Thus, the project will develop novel scientific findings, and practical know-how, on one of the most urgent challenges of modern society, namely – to enable civil engagement and constructive dialogues on conflicted social problems in the new digital era.