Dialling up democracy in the 21st century: Pathways for renewal
Think tank: City-REDI
Author(s): Mark Swift
March 17, 2026
This report from UK think tank City-REDI explores how democratic innovation can help renew trust and legitimacy in the UK’s democratic system
This policy working paper explores how democratic innovation can help renew trust, participation, and legitimacy in the UK’s democratic system. Building on earlier LPIP Hub work on social value and community-centred innovation, it examines the social, institutional, and structural pressures currently facing democracy, particularly in the context of devolution and regional governance.
Drawing on UK and international examples, the paper sets out five practical pathways for ‘dialling up democracy’ – from participatory budgeting and digital democracy to citizens’ assemblies, institutional openness, and new models of representation – arguing that democratic renewal is essential to inclusive growth, social cohesion, and regional innovation.
Local and regional policymakers, LPIPs, civic institutions, and community partners should embed democratic innovation into devolved governance – expanding participatory spaces, strengthening accountability, and co-creating policy with citizens to rebuild trust and legitimacy from the ground up.
