- Demos Magyarország
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Demos Magyarország or Demos Hungary is an independent foundation established by private individuals. As a think- tank – following the model of similar Anglo-Saxon institutions – it undertakes research projects based on proposals submitted by outside parties, and also on its own initiative. Its aim is to do background research for political decision-makers, and to form Hungarian common talk about our society with thought-provoking approaches.
Contents
Mission
The goal of the DEMOS Hungary Foundation is to act as a bridge between academia and political decision-makers, developing new policy solutions that meet the social, economic and political requirements of our age. DEMOS is committed to revitalising public thinking and policy decision-making through its exploration of new issues, fresh ideas and policy recommendations which also lend themselves to practical implementation. Thereby it helps to create structures and institutions that are capable of responding to the challenges posed by a continuously changing world. The results of DEMOS research projects are generally available to the public. In addition to conducting research and analyses, the Foundation also organises conferences in order to promote such subject areas to the public.
Main objectives
- DEMOS Hungary aims to be a catalyst in the process of regenerating domestic public policy. With this goal in mind, it strives to develop policy alternatives pertaining to the most relevant issues of the day, as well as ensuring the intellectual basis for long-term strategic planning. Through this background work, DEMOS seeks to bring about changes in domestic public thinking and the spread of progressive ideas.
- DEMOS Hungary also champions those general issues that are meaningful to the country as a whole, and which have some significance beyond daily matters. The Foundation wishes to provide a space where professional debates on such issues can take place, and supports these discussions with facts and figures and arguments. DEMOS is committed to the creation of a quality – but unequivocally non-elitist – public discussion that extends to the wider reaches of society. Its goal is for important issues facing Hungary and viewpoints on the key questions regarding the nation’s future to be debated in a framework that allows for real dialogue and a genuine exchange of opinions. DEMOS supports the development of a new type of social and professional discussion through the organisation of conferences and forums for debate.
- DEMOS Hungary places great value on ties between domestic and international research institutions, intellectual centres and decision-makers. Therefore, it participates in the work of international think-tank networks, and through the issues it raises and its policy proposals it thereby contributes to the shaping of the European progressive-left discussion.
Activities
In order to achieve the objectives outlined above, DEMOS Hungary’s activities can be grouped into the following core areas:
- Transforming public discourse
Traditionally, Hungarians expect the improvement of their life from the politicians and the state rather than from themselves. Nowadays, we need to redefine not only the fundamental pillars of our identity, but also our expectations with regard to the State. Developing a system of responsibilities and clearly defining the relationship – the limits of rights and duties – between the State, the individual and the business sphere has been one of the most important tasks during the decades following the transition from the previous political system.
- Hungarian society in a globalised world
Citizens in Hungary and the other former socialist states have experienced a dual transition: not only was an information society introduced into their countries, but the political and economic systems they were accustomed to changed at the same time. To determine what might make Hungary competitive and successful in the 21st century, we need to assess our country’s current state realistically, and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses in the light of global competition.
- Progressive public policy and administration reform
If Hungary is to be modernised, not only the long established cultural attitudes and the way citizens think have to change and transform, but the State itself has to be overhauled. A more efficient and fairer institutional system that provides higher quality services is a justifiable expectation for all Hungarian citizens. In defining the scope of its research, DEMOS Hungary focuses on those areas where the constant delay in identifying solutions to key problems is no longer tenable.
- New paths in progressive thought
DEMOS Hungary closely follows key developments in public policy and social science research. To ensure that modern left-wing ideas become known in Hungary, it makes major inspirational studies available in Hungarian in its journal entitled Progresszív Politika (Progressive Politics), and publishes books by major influential progressive Hungarian and foreign writers. Furthermore, it seeks to aid co-operation and intellectual exchange between Hungarian and international policy-makers by inviting renowned international experts and politicians and organising conferences.
Major papers and conferences
- Hungary's Strategic Audit 2005
- Why do Hungarians dislike politics? (October 2005)
- Progressive Politics 2006 Spring – Progressive governance, progressive politics
- On Creative Economy - Europe and Hungary in the Creative Age (April 2006)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (26 May 2006)
- Progressive Politics 2006 Autumn – Media and politics
- A living countryside - New perspectives in Hungarian rural development (20 April 2007)
- The Chinese Connection – How to improve our relations with China (8 May 2007)
- Hungary’s Strategic Audit 2007
- Progressive Politics 2007 Spring/Autumn – The European Social Model
- Globalisation and Mobility (12 September 2007)
- E - Governance – Towards Governing in the Digital Age (20 March 2008)
External links
Categories:- Organisations based in Hungary
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