Multi-level governance is a new model of a transparent and open policy-making process respecting the complexities of multi-tier territorial entities; it has been officially adopted by the Committee of the Regions in its Multi-level Governance Charta in the European Union. The concept, however, has attracted attention beyond the EU as it emphasizes the principles of self-governance, subsidiarity and proportionality. Nearly every state, whether inside or outside the EU, is in a situation that lends itself to principles of multi-level governance. This however requires horizontal and vertical coordination among policy actors as well as the involvement of citizens, civil society and the business community. Within the EU, this new model of engagement and participation can help overcome the wide-spread distance between citizens and the Union as well as the general feeling of disenchantment with politics among citizens.

It is the main theme of this year’s conference to explore how ICT can act as an enabler for these governance models. How can IT contribute to that goal? What are the chances and the risks of the use of ICT to promote a European system of Multi-Level eGovernance? What are best practices which could serve as a model for the development of such a system?

This conference addresses public sector practitioners and policy makers, industry professionals and academia alike. The disciplines covered are primarily information sciences, law and administrative science, political science, sociology and economics. Theoretical and empirical contributions are equally welcome. We especially encourage submissions addressing the European Union in general, the Danube Region and the Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Beyond the general theme papers are solicited in all areas of applying ICT to the Public Sector. The conference will particularly focus on, but not limit itself to, the following topics:

• Identity management for individuals
• Privacy and data protection (including Cyber Security)
• eDemocracy on all levels (e.g., new forms of citizen participation, internet in political campaigns, eVoting)
• The role of the internet in revolutions and in transition processes,
• Transparency and anti-corruption
• eTools to help establish a European public space
• Open data
• Legal aspects of eGovernment and eDemocracy,
• Economic and social impact of eGovernment and eDemocracy
• Enabling the Digital Single Market

The conference language will be English only. Papers will be subjected to a double-blind review process and published by the Austrian Computer Society.