Geoparticipation in the Czech municipalities: index based quantitative approach

Abstract

Participation is becoming not only a theoretical framework of EU and UN documents, but also a practical approach that many municipalities explore in order to build resilient, sustainable and smart cities. The paper presents a weighted Index of Geoparticipation for all municipalities in the Czech Republic (n = 6258). The index is an indicator-based value divided into three dimensions (communication, participation, transparency) that helps to evaluate the state of geoparticipation among Czech municipalities. The size of the municipality (measured by population) and the significance of the municipality are both highly related to the values of the Index of Geoparticipation. Regional capitals, major cities, and big towns that are part of the Healthy Cities Network all have higher values for the Index of Geoparticipation.