e-Tampere

Influence online

Tampere has been a pioneer in the development of citizens’ online services. In particular, Tampere has invested purposefully and extensively in online democracy, i.e. opportunities for citizens to have an influence on issues that affect everyone via the web. Various online surveys have generated more information on which to base decisions when compiling the city’s budget for example. The preparation forum ‘Valma’ is involved in everyday decision-making by forwarding citizens’ opinions on matters on the agenda at the city’s committees. The City of Tampere’s online services have also received an award from the TeleCities organization.

But have fast and easy-to-use online services made citizens more active?

“On principle it is important that citizens are provided an opportunity to have influence. The web does increase democracy, but not decisively. The internet and other means are just a technical platform; the processes that are formed to forward democracy are the essentials. Online democracy must be made into a fundamental part of decision-making, and citizens must receive feedback about the effects it achieves,” says Communications Director for the City of Tampere, Jari Seppälä.

Back