The diffusion of digital participatory platforms in Prishtina, Kosovo

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards greater public participation in urban development and decision-making, driven by rapid urbanization (Hofmann et al., 2020), technological advancements (Bonson et al., 2012), and democratic reforms. Governments are now focusing on e-participation initiatives to enhance public participation and overcome the limitations of traditional public participation forms. Kosovo, a young country in the Western Balkans, is pursuing an ambitious state-building agenda prioritizing digital transformation and public administration reforms (Doroci, 2022). However, despite the high internet and mobile phone penetration in Kosovo, e-participation and e-democracy remains low (Topić & Milivojević, 2022). This study analyzes how institutional and organizational factors influence the diffusion of Digital Participatory Platforms (DPPs) in Prishtina, Kosovo’s capital. The primary objective is to understand how these factors affect the adoption, implementation, and institutionalization of DPPs. It provides a valuable contribution by addressing a gap in the existing literature on DPPs diffusion, which largely focuses on Western established democracies. Using an explanatory case study approach, the research analyses three diffusion degrees of three different types of DPPs in Prishtina. This approach offered a broader understanding of e-participation diffusion in Prishtina’s public administration. Semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, including public officials and NGO experts, were conducted to gather insights on institutional and organizational factors. For data triangulation, document analysis was utilized to analyze 14 documents regarding the organization of e-participation in Prishtina. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify and interpret key themes and connections. The findings reveal a complex interplay between institutional and organizational factors affecting the diffusion degrees of DPPs in Prishtina. Regulative aspects of institutions positively impact all stages of diffusion. Nevertheless, the successful institutionalization of DPPs required a supportive institutional culture and leadership. Weak intergovernmental networks and limited collaboration with NGOs hinder higher degrees of diffusion and sustainability of e-participation. Additionally, platforms that demand more effort from public administration, such as interaction and co-production platforms, faced more resistance compared to information provision platforms.