We have clearly demonstrated in Phase 1 that eParticipation research is dependent on an inter-disciplinary approach and in its current state is scattered and fragmented. Our starting point for Phase 2 is to accept the value of having a wide range of disciplinary and methodological inputs into the study of e-participation but at the same time recognising that interdisciplinary research is not easy. Therefore this work package seeks to join up the many varied disciplines and investigates the tools, methods and techniques needed to investigate and conduct various aspects of the research.

Objectives:

1. Establish sets of criteria and guidelines which will allow robust eParticipation tools to be developed
2. Develop guidance on tools and methods to understand citizen online discussion
3. Establish sets of criteria which will allow evaluation of eParticipation initiatives to be undertaken in a systematic and standardised way.
4. Investigate issues effecting interoperability and the emergence of standards for eParticipation