معرفی
Prof. Dr. Norbert Kersting is a full professor at the University of Münster's Institute of Political Science, leading the Chair of Comparative Politics – Local and Regional Politics. His work focuses on direct and deliberative democracy, e-democracy, local governance, and political participation. He has held prominent roles such as Chair of Research Committee 10 ('Electronic Democracy') at the International Political Science Association (IPSA) and has led numerous projects on digital participation, populism, and local finance. Key initiatives include the DDD (Direct and Deliberative Democracy) group and the PRECEDE project on populism's roots in Europe. He has advised governments, published extensively, and supervised doctoral students in areas like participatory budgeting and smart cities. His research bridges theory and practice, emphasizing democratic innovation and institutional design.
- Education: Habilitation in Political Science (2002), PhD from Philipps University Marburg (1994).
- Leadership: Head of the Department of Political Science at Münster (2006–2016).
Research interests include comparative local governance, online participation quality, and democratic integrity. Notable projects address constitutional referendums in authoritarian regimes and the impact of digital tools on civic engagement. He actively collaborates internationally, conducting fieldwork in Africa, Latin America, and Europe. His work often highlights the challenges and potential of blending online and offline democratic practices.
Grants and partnerships include EU-funded projects like PRECEDE (2020–2023). He advises on local finance policies, electoral integrity, and urban innovation. His lab, URII (Urban and Regional Innovation Institute), explores smart cities and participatory tools. Recent publications analyze populism, digital divides, and the future of local democracy in contexts like Germany, Italy, and Turkey.
