Assessing the effectiveness of citizen participation: the development of an impact scheme

This article examines the impact of participatory processes in research organisations, focusing on the ‘Citizens’ Dialogues’ initiative at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. As research increasingly embraces inclusive approaches, the article presents a scheme designed to evaluate the effects of such dialogues on different actor groups: citizens, scientists and institutional management. Drawing from both literature and practical experience, the scheme assesses immediate, gradual and continual impacts, offering insights into the effectiveness of participatory formats in shaping research agendas and promoting democratic engagement with academic research. Additionally, the article explores how this scheme can be applied to other contexts, enhancing the integration of participatory outcomes into research decision-making processes. By providing a structured approach to impact assessment, this work contributes to the broader understanding of how citizen participation influences scientific research and its societal relevance.