Technology and simulation: for a participative democracy in the era of new public management

This article brings to light the strengths and weaknesses of simulation as a tool in democratic participation within the public administration. It goes without saying that the best way to go beyond the limits of simulation is to be sure that the principles of effective democratic participation are followed at every step in the process. To accomplish this, simulation will have to be used in conjunction with other more traditional methods of consultation, such as forums and public hearings, in order to promote collective action as much as individual action on the part of the citizen and to respect his/her preferences with regard to personal commitment. In addition, the technological aspects of simulation must obviously remain highly user-friendly. For example, game-playing can help citizens who resist the shift to technology to take an interest in participating in a computerized simulation exercise. Finally, it is extremely important that the administration find a way to organize the information correctly so that it is attractive and understandable for the citizen without diminishing its accuracy and usefulness. Despite the limitations of simulation models, we believe, as do many others, that they represent a precious tool for democratic participation in an era of administrative efficiency and technology. It is hoped that this article will serve to initiate a thorough reflection on the concrete applications of technology for the benefit of democracy.