Frequently
Asked
Questions
ABOUT THE AWARDS
What are The Innovation in Politics Awards?
The Innovation in Politics Awards recognise and celebrate courageous politicians across Europe who drive positive change with innovative projects. These Awards have been presented annually since 2017, showcasing impactful solutions that tackle today’s challenges.
What sets the Awards apart?
- Democratic Credibility through an Engaged Citizen Jury: Each year, a citizen jury of over 1,000 jurors plays a key role in selecting the most innovative political projects, bringing together diverse perspectives and backgrounds from across Europe.
- Extensive Repository of Best Practices: Our collection includes over 2,000 curated examples of impactful initiatives from various political levels and countries. As the most comprehensive database of its kind in Europe, it offers insights into solutions that address contemporary challenges across diverse contexts.
- Focus on Real Impact: By recognising projects with proven results, we aim to create a ripple effect that encourages others to follow suit with innovative solutions.
- Commitment to Knowledge Sharing: We facilitate partnerships among political innovators across Europe, fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences to address shared challenges. This collaboration enriches the political landscape and amplifies the potential for meaningful change.
- Europe-Wide Recognition: We believe that exceptional political work deserves recognition. The Awards elevate political innovators and their projects to an international stage, showcasing their contributions and enhancing visibility across borders.
Who is behind the Awards?
The Innovation in Politics Awards (IPA), established in 2017 by The Innovation in Politics Institute (IPI), are now operated by the ECoD gemeinnützige GmbH (ECoD NPO). The Awards Conference & Gala are an official event of the ECoD Democracy Year, hosted annually in the designated European Capital of Democracy.
This integration builds on the shared mission of the Awards and ECoD to strengthen democracy in Europe, while maintaining a close partnership with The Innovation in Politics Institute, the founding organisation behind both initiatives.
The IPA’s Best Practices Hub remains a key platform, fostering cross-border collaboration and highlighting impactful political solutions across Europe. For more information, visit the European Capital of Democracy website and The Innovation in Politics Institute website
What is the purpose of the Awards?
At The Innovation in Politics Awards, we celebrate and elevate innovative political initiatives that drive meaningful change across Europe. Our goal is to shine a light on those who are not only thinking outside the box but also actively reshaping it, inspiring a culture of excellence in political leadership.
PROJECT SUBMISSIONS & NOMINATIONS
What is the difference between nominations and submissions?
Anyone can nominate a project to bring it to our attention. After receiving a nomination, we contact the project owner responsible for the project and invite them to officially submit it. Submissions can be done only by the project team.
What are the criteria for a project to be accepted?
Submissions must comply with the following criteria:
- Originates from a Council of Europe member country
- Is partially financed by public funds
- Was implemented or significantly developed in the last five years
- Has a tangible impact on people’s lives
- Upholds the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Worried that your project might not be impactful enough?
Don’t hesitate—innovation can take many forms, and we encourage submissions of all kinds! No matter the scale, your project can drive real change, and we are here to honour and celebrate that.
How do I submit a project, and what are the requirements?
To submit a project, simply complete our online form, which will guide you through the process. You will need to provide the project owner’s information (name, political office, contact), the project title, a description, and a picture, as well as an explanation of how the project meets our innovation and impact criteria. You can also include optional materials like charts or videos. Submissions are free of charge and should be made in English.
What happens after submission?
We will confirm receipt and request additional details if needed. After the submission deadline, all projects will be evaluated by a citizens’ jury.
CITIZENS’ JURY
Can I become a juror?
If you are a resident of a Council of Europe member country (including Kosovo) and have reached the legal age in your country, you can apply to become a juror. Jurors evaluate projects online, and the evaluations are conducted in English.
How do I apply?
You can apply through the “Become a Juror” form on our website, where you will need to provide basic details such as your name, email, country of residence, and birthdate.
Is there any compensation?
Jurors are not paid, but they gain valuable experience and become part of the Awards Community. Active jurors will also have the chance to enter a raffle and win a ticket to the Awards Conference & Gala. Additionally, every juror will receive a printed certificate in recognition of their participation. Find more reasons to become a juror here
What happens after I apply?
You will receive a confirmation email, and we will keep you updated throughout the Awards cycle. Details about the evaluation process will be provided closer to the start of the evaluation period.
EVALUATION PROCESS
What are the evaluation criteria?
- Innovation: Introducing creative, forward-thinking solutions to tackle a specific challenge within its area of influence (municipality, region, or country). It doesn’t have to be a “world first”, but should demonstrate a new or effective approach that brings positive change to the community or region.
- Impact: Delivering meaningful and lasting improvements to people’s lives. The project should have clearly defined outcomes, showing measurable success and a broad scope of influence. For early-stage projects, the focus should be on the anticipated results and their potential for creating positive, sustainable change.
How are the winners chosen?
Each year, a citizen jury of over 1,000 jurors plays a key role in selecting the most innovative political projects, bringing together diverse perspectives and backgrounds from across Europe.
How are projects evaluated?
Jurors evaluate projects online using a secure platform. Each juror is randomly assigned a maximum of 15 projects (excluding those from their own country) and scores them from 0 to 9 based on innovation and impact. Once submitted, evaluations cannot be changed.
How are winners selected?
After all scores are submitted, an automated system tallies the results. The top 10 projects in each category become finalists, with the highest-scoring project in each category receiving an Innovation in Politics Award.
AWARDS CEREMONY
When and where are The Innovation in Politics Awards Conference & Gala?
Starting in 2024, the finals take place in the current European Capital of Democracy. The date and venue will be announced on our website.
Can I attend the ceremony?
All finalists are invited to the Awards ceremony, where category winners receive a trophy. Attendance is by invitation only, and all finalists will be invited.
Who covers the costs of attending the ceremony?
While attendance is free, travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the attendees. We can offer limited support for finalists’ attendance.
What do the winners receive?
Winners of The Innovation in Politics Awards receive a trophy, which is presented at the Awards Gala, along with the chance to showcase their projects to a wider audience. This recognition helps raise their profile across Europe, connecting them with new partners and stakeholders. It also offers valuable opportunities to inspire others and contribute to shaping the future of political leadership in Europe.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
What are my responsibilities regarding submitted materials?
You must secure all publication rights for submitted materials and ensure accuracy. We require publication rights for non-commercial use related to the Awards. If submissions contain inaccurate or misleading information, or infringe on third-party rights, we reserve the right to disqualify them and revoke any awards.
What if there are technical issues or data protection concerns?
We strive to maintain a functional and secure website but cannot guarantee its performance. Report any technical issues to us, and we will address them promptly. Your personal data will be protected according to Austrian/EU regulations and used solely for Awards-related activities.