As part of a research project, BASE investigated the possibilities and limits of digital participation tools for involving the public in the site selection procedure.

This included a transdisciplinary workshop that was held in March 2023. Over two days, participation experts from academia and practice exchanged views on the challenges and opportunities of digitalisation.

Participants included:

• the Düsseldorf Institute for Internet and Democracy (DIID) at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and the nexus Institute for Cooperation Management and Interdisciplinary Research – as implementers of the project
• experts from research institutes such as the dpart Think Tank for Political Participation, the ConPolicy - Institute for Consumer Protection and the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
• Representatives of federal and state ministries, of federal and state youth councils, of the German Youth Institute and the German Children and Youth Foundation
• Members of the NBG (National Citizens’ Oversight Committee) and the Council of the Young Generation.

Key topics of the workshop

Topics discussed included:

• Needs assessments of the relevant target groups: How do you identify target groups and their individual needs?
• Addressing the target groups: How to address the younger generations in a way that is relevant to them?
• Designing complex engagement processes: How to design attractive participation processes for nationwide infrastructure projects?
• Supporting actors: Who can provide support in the recruitment of or approach to young people?

Targeted participation formats for practical use

Participants also discussed the transfer of research findings into participation practice. They provided BASE with ideas for digital and hybrid participation formats. The ideas include podcasts and information events on vocational training in the field of ‘permanent waste disposal'. It is important that such formats are promoted in familiar environments. These include sports or leisure clubs, but also public libraries and street festivals.

Three profiles of fictitious young people were created to help plan target group-oriented formats. For each of these profiles, a prototype of a participation format was developed that was tailored to the respective interests and needs:

Prototype 1: Next-Gen Scholarship

'Next-Gen' stands for the next generation. Scholarship holders will be able to pass on their knowledge of nuclear waste management to their peers. They will be more likely to choose a career in this field.

The scholarship covers a range of subject areas to ensure a diverse group of scholars. Scholars regularly engage with BASE issues through online and offline events and collaborations with other organisations.

Prototype 2: Augmented Reality Game

The aim is to provide a playful approach to the complex process of finding a repository site.

The game is intended to be developed by young people (with young people) and then to reach out to other young players. Two young target groups are thus addressed at the same time: the developers and the players.

Prototype 3: “Radioactive” Music Festival

The music festival is explicitly aimed at young people. The focus is on electronic music and youth culture, but the issue of finding a repository site is always present through creative competitions and workshops.

Summary of the event

Involving the public in the site selection procedure poses particular challenges.

• As large parts of Germany are still being considered as potential siting regions, there is a lack of direct affectedness.
• There is currently no specific subject for participation.
• In contrast to other infrastructure projects, participation in the search for a repository site is not aimed at a relatively quick decision. Rather, it is about involving people in a nationwide consultative participation process that will extend over several decades.
• The regulatory context also poses other challenges. For example, workshop participants discussed the extent to which BASE would be able to implement the prototypes developed.

The subject matter explored in the workshop offers significant insights that can inform strategies for addressing these challenges. The input received by BASE employees proved beneficial for the development of formats designed to encourage youth participation. Furthermore, the utility of existing BASE projects was validated. For instance, the BASE doctoral programme bears resemblance to the 'Next-Gen Scholarship' prototype developed during the workshop.

It was similarly valuable to acknowledge the pivotal role that educational institutions play in facilitating diverse participation. Moreover, the workshop underscored the significance of direct communication and a robust network among scientists, practitioners, and participants.

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