Use of Artificial Intelligence and other Digital Tools in Participatory Budget Practice—Empirical Evidence from Slovenia

Participatory budgeting (PB) has gained global attention as a democratic innovation, while artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping various local government operations. This article employs content analysis and survey research to explore the impact of AI and other digital tools on PB practices in Slovenia, where PB was formally introduced in 2018. The findings reveal a growing acceptance of diverse digital tools in PB processes, while the use of AI remains in its early stages. The study highlights the need for further research into the barriers hindering the use of AI and other digital tools in PB. One potential solution is to tailor and combine PB practices to better align with the specific needs of individual municipalities. In general, the research results presented in the article shed light on the evolving landscape of PB practices in Slovenian municipalities and the role of AI and other digital tools in PB processes.