This open access book examines the debate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the evolving landscape of democratic governance, where technological innovation is reshaping participation, decision-making, and institutional practices. Drawing on four Horizon Europe projects—ORBIS, AI4Gov, ITHACA, and KT4D—it offers concrete insights into how AI can be designed and governed to reflect democratic values of inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability, while also confronting the risks of opacity, bias, and institutional unpreparedness that threaten legitimacy and public trust. Across its chapters, the book combines design-led, participatory, and socio-technical approaches to offer actionable frameworks for: (i) improving data access and understanding; (ii) embedding ethical principles through co-creation and legal foresight; (iii) building human-centered AI systems via multi-stakeholder engagement; and (iv) addressing systemic marginalisation in AI development. Grounded in interdisciplinary research and real-world experimentation across Europe, the volume provides tools, lessons, and frameworks for responsible AI integration into democratic infrastructures. It is intended for policymakers, designers, researchers, and civic tech practitioners seeking to align technological innovation with democratic values of inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability.
