The Democracy Research Network is a multidisciplinary, informal network of researchers at Tampere University. The network brings together approximately 100 researchers from all faculties of the university. The purpose of the network is to learn and share the different ways in which scholars across Tampere University are engaging with democracy in their research and strengthen the collaboration between researchers working in this field. The network also actively collaborates with stakeholders outside the university.

In the futures workshop, the network’s executive committee mapped out the future of the network. The workshop focused on both near-term activities and long-term goals and plans. This was done, among other things, by shaping utopias with playdough. The workshop helped to create inspiring visions for the future of the network.