CitizenLab

CitizenLab is a digital democracy platform that enables local governments and organizations to engage their communities effectively. Founded in 2015 by entrepreneurs Wietse Van Ransbeeck, Aline Muylaert, and Koen Gremmelprez in Belgium, the company has grown into a global entity with a team of over 50 professionals representing more than 15 nationalities. (govocal.com ) Mission and Values CitizenLab's mission is to make public decision-making more inclusive, participatory, and responsive. The company is committed to fostering a culture of engagement that prioritizes inclusivity and collaboration, aiming to rebuild trust between governments and residents. (govocal.com ) Key Offerings CitizenLab offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to facilitate community participation and co-creation: Surveys and Polls : Collect quantitative data on community opinions. Idea Collection : Gather and prioritize ideas from residents. Participatory Budgeting : Involve citizens in allocating public funds. Mapping : Visualize community input on interactive maps. Voting and Prioritization : Enable residents to vote on proposed initiatives. These features are integrated into a user-friendly platform that streamlines the engagement process for both citizens and public officials. Global Impact Since its inception, CitizenLab has partnered with over 600 governments and organizations across 20 countries, launching more than 25,000 projects in various policy domains, including urban planning, climate action, mobility, and participatory budgeting. Over 1.5 million citizens have engaged on the platform, shaping the future of their communities through active participation in local democracies. (govocal.com ) Innovation and AI Integration To enhance the efficiency of the engagement process, CitizenLab has integrated artificial intelligence into its platform. The 'Sensemaking' tool leverages AI to analyze community input, identifying key themes and priorities, thereby reducing the time required for analysis and reporting by up to 50%. This innovation ensures that governments can make informed decisions swiftly and effectively. (govocal.com ) Certification and Recognition In 2022, CitizenLab achieved B Corporation certification, reflecting its commitment to social impact and responsible business practices. This certification underscores the company's dedication to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. (govocal.com ) Rebranding to Go Vocal In June 2024, CitizenLab rebranded to Go Vocal to better represent its evolution into a comprehensive digital hub for local democracy. This rebranding signifies a shift from being merely an engagement tool to becoming a platform that facilitates deeper democratic participation, aiming to amplify 50 million voices in public decision-making. (govocal.com ) Conclusion CitizenLab, now known as Go Vocal, continues to empower communities worldwide by providing innovative digital tools that enhance civic engagement and strengthen local democracies. Its commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous innovation positions it as a leader in the field of digital democracy.