How can we develop AI with citizens rather than for them?
Through transparent, citizen-centred AI that supports better public decisions
Artificial intelligence increasingly influences decisions that affect our daily lives — from healthcare and mobility to public services. Yet for most people, it is unclear how these decisions are made. AI often feels like a black box.
DECIDE wants to change that.
The project develops transparent and citizen-centred AI systems, designed with citizens rather than for them. Instead of starting from technology, DECIDE starts from a simple question: how can AI help people understand, influence and take part in decisions that affect them?
By making AI more transparent and involving citizens in its development, DECIDE helps build a more democratic, fair and trustworthy digital society. Making sure that AI serves the interests of all, not just a few.
We believe AI should be:
Transparent
People can clearly see why an AI system reaches a certain decision, which factors matter, and what the risks and benefits are.
Explainable
By sharing this information and showing how decisions are made, we want to help people make informed choices they can trust.
Inclusive
By shifting the role of citizens from passive recipients to active participants.
Our objectives
DECIDE achieves its mission through clear, actionable objectives
Empower Citizen Participation
Enable citizens to participate in the development of transparent, accountable AI systems (e.g., AI-DSS used by governments, hospitals, insurance companies, banks) that make decisions about these citizens.
Enable Citizen Co-Design
Enable citizens to co-design AI systems for their own purposes (e.g., AI-CSS in collaboration with NGOs, companies, or interest groups) that facilitate informed decision-making.
Define AI Transparency
Define various approaches to AI transparency by integrating technological and societal perspectives through structured interdisciplinary approaches.
Analyze AI Regulation
Analyze how AI-regulation and legislation (e.g., the EU AI Act) contribute to the transparency and democratic quality of AI-DSS and empower citizens.
Develop Innovative Methods
Develop and implement innovative methods such as co-design and participatory design of AI-systems and new forms of AI literacy education.
Foster Transparency
Make citizens aware of the reasons why particular decisions were made, not only in algorithmic terms, but also through domain-specific explanations.
DECIDE revolves around four themes
Healthcare
Improving healthcare decision-making
Sustainable mobility
AI systems that enhance decision-making
Democratic Decision making
Enhance transparency and citizen engagement
Healthy Lifestyle
Use AI in promoting healthy lifestyle
