Panteion University and the Digital Democracy Foundation launch a new partnership for the digital democracy era

The Digital Democracy Foundation (DDF) and the MA in Digital Transformation: e-Diplomacy, e-Campaigning & Digital Law (MA Digi-DCL) of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a new step toward long-term collaboration between academia and civil society.

The MoU was signed during the program’s annual Kickstart event, «Bootcamp 2025», held in Koryschades, Evritania, in the presence of Ioanna Skondra and Eirini-Renée Gkatsi, co-founders of the Digital Democracy Foundation and alumni of the program.

The agreement opens a new chapter of cooperation focused on digital democracy, innovation, and civic participation. It aims to bring students, researchers, and practitioners closer together, linking academic work with real-world policy and technology challenges in Greece and across Europe.

The partnership will roll out a number of initiatives over the next three years, including the creation of a Digital Democracy Observatory, the launch of a Democratic Talks series featuring experts from Europe and beyond, and joint research projects promoting inclusion, civic engagement, and digital literacy. A new Student Think Tank will also be established, offering postgraduate students the chance to design ideas, policies, and collaborations with European networks.

Research-driven, co-created Digital Campaigns will also play a key role in the partnership, aiming to generate positive social impact in societies facing distrust and disengagement from democratic values and institutions. These campaigns will bridge research and public communication, helping to restore trust in science-based knowledge, informed decision-making, and the role of citizens as active contributors to the future of democratic societies.

A Joint Coordination Board will oversee the activities, ensuring that the collaboration feeds directly into the MA’s curriculum and opens new pathways for European funding and research opportunities.

Together, Panteion University and DDF aim to turn digital transformation into a democratic opportunity, empowering a new generation of leaders to shape the future of governance and public participation in Europe.