Two new components strengthen deliberation on the MultiPoD Decidim Platform

MultiPoD first Decidim prototype is up and running with two new components integrated by Open Source Politics (OSP) that aim to strengthen deliberation and expand connections between participatory spaces: the Suggested Content module and the first layer of an interoperable Democracy Data Space

Decidim already plays a central role in MultiPoD by hosting citizen assemblies and serving as a shared space for communication, organisation and participation. The platform supports hybrid and multilingual participation processes developed across the project’s pilots. The new components build on this foundation by encouraging participants to engage more deeply with existing contributions and by opening pathways between different participatory platforms. 

The Suggested Content module is designed to gently prompt users to explore related proposals before adding their own input. When a participant opens a proposal, a small, non-intrusive panel displays a configurable number of thematically similar proposals from the participatory space. These suggestions are selected based on semantic similarity. By encouraging sequential and exploratory navigation, the module supports more reflective participation while fully preserving user autonomy. Originally developed in collaboration with the EU Commission Citizen Engagement Platform, the module has now been adapted and deployed within the MultiPoD context. 

Complementing this feature, the Democracy Data Space addresses a broader ambition: enabling interoperability between participatory platforms. It’s a long-term goal that will allow citizens to engage with consultations across different platforms and communities without having to navigate entirely new interfaces. Within MultiPoD, the first prototype enables multiple Decidim platforms to display each other’s proposals and comments. External content is clearly marked and visually distinguished, ensuring transparency about where contributions originate and how interactions are shared. 

Both components share a common objective: reinforcing Decidim’s role as an open deliberative forum. By prompting participants to engage with existing ideas and by making connections across platforms visible and understandable, these developments help foster richer debate, reciprocal engagement and a more connected participatory ecosystem. 
The first prototype of these features will be available on the project platform: https://multipod.net/