Netwerk Democratie is an organisation focused on the relationship between democracy and digital technology. Based in Amsterdam, the group works on two closely linked themes: digital democracy and the democratisation of technology. Its stated aim is to strengthen democratic participation in a digital society by making open-source and participatory tools more accessible to citizens and public authorities.
The organisation argues that digital technologies used in democratic decision-making should be transparent and fair, and that they should help reinforce deliberative democracy rather than weaken it. In practice, Netwerk Democratie identifies both the opportunities and the risks of digital technologies, then translates those concerns into public programming and practical initiatives. Its work places particular emphasis on increasing citizens’ influence over how the digital society is shaped and on ensuring that technology serves the public interest.
Netwerk Democratie appears in the Framer Framed network, which points to its place within a broader ecosystem of cultural, civic and knowledge institutions in Amsterdam. Among its key activities are the co-initiation of the programme series “New Democracy” with Pakhuis de Zwijger and the annual master class series “Netpolitiek”, organised together with Internet Society NL, Waag and Bits of Freedom. These programmes suggest a strong focus on public debate, civic education and policy reflection around technology and democracy.
The organisation’s profile is rooted in the Dutch context, but its themes are relevant beyond the Netherlands. Its scope is best described as national, with European relevance through its work on digital rights, public-interest technology and democratic innovation.