Understanding the Transferability of Democratic Innovations: Insights from the UK and Nigeria

Democratic innovations such as participatory budgeting, citizens’ assemblies, and digital deliberation platforms are often praised for fostering deeper citizen participation and amplifying marginalized voices. However, their diffusion across contexts is often constrained by elite-driven agendas, limited grassroots involvement, and the complexities of adapting these innovations to local realities. While much of the existing literature focuses on the political, economic, and institutional factors influencing diffusion, there is less attention paid to the perspectives of ordinary citizens, the role of non-elite actors, and how technology mediates these processes, particularly in the Global South. This paper examines the transferability of democratic innovations between the Global North and South, with a focus on the UK and Nigeria. These two countries, with their contrasting but interconnected historical and political contexts, provide a rich basis for understanding the dynamics of diffusion. I address three key questions: (1) How do experts and practitioners shape the diffusion of democratic innovations, and what challenges do they encounter? (2) How do citizens perceive and engage with these innovations, and what factors enable or hinder their participation? (3) How does technology facilitate or impede the transfer of democratic innovations, and how are these tools influenced by socio-political and cultural contexts? Through interviews with experts and citizens in both regions, the paper uncovers how contextual factors such as education, political culture, trust in institutions, and socioeconomic conditions shape the adoption and adaptation of democratic innovations. By comparing the roles of elites and ordinary citizens, I offer new insights into the mechanisms of diffusion and their impact on democratic reform. This paper contributes to discussions on the global diffusion of democratic innovations, highlighting the importance of lived experiences, grassroots involvement, and context-sensitive approaches. It argues for reimagining democratic innovations as adaptable processes that respond to the unique challenges and opportunities of different societies.