There are a number of eDemocracy applications, ranging from transparency sites and information, discussion, deliberation and consultation platforms to decision-making and voting systems, thus encompassing the entire democratic process. As technical devices have matured and feasibility is largely not considered an issue any more, other questions are now considered:

• To what extent can eDemocracy support and enrich our democracy?
• What and where are the interfaces, what methods can be used to integrate eParticipation in present public administration processes?
• How can we ensure that the greatest number of people are reached and are able to use the means of participation?
• How can the modern media support political education?
• How can the Internet increase participation in political discussion?
• What are the limitations and the risks of eDemocracy?
• How may traditional Decision Support Systems be included in the eDemocracy framework?
• How may microeconomic models (e.g. game theory) contribute to the understanding of the dynamics created by electronic citizen involvement?

The EDem 2009 aims to be opportunity to look into these questions and discuss the answers. During the conference experiences will be shared, examples of good (and maybe not so good) practice analysed, the State-of-the-Art and future scenarios will be presented and discussed.

The call for papers is open. The organisers are looking for contributions on all areas and levels of electronic democracy and participation systems. Projects can also be submitted, and, if accepted, would be presented as examples of "hands-on" demonstrations of eDemocracy and eParticipation. The main conference language is English; submissions in German are also acceptable.

Contributions from individuals from academic and professional backgrounds as well as public administration offices, public bodies, NGOs, education institutions and independent organisations are welcome.

The deadline for papers' submission is 17 May 2009. Submission may be sent in PDF format to alexander.prosser@wu-wien.ac.at or peter.parycek@donau-uni.ac.at. Submission via a Web page will be made available soon.

The conference fees are €95 for authors, €115 for those who register as participants prior to 17 July 2009, and €115 for those registering after that date. The registration facility will be made available at http://www.ocg.at/edem2009/reg.html. 

Event email: alexander.prosser@wu-wien.ac.at or peter.parycek@donau-uni.ac.at