Scottish-based architect for democracy, advocate for participation and stronger governance.
Andy is a global leader in democratic innovation and civic participation, working at the intersection of digital, parliaments and citizens. He knows how to build a campaign, generate genuine interest, and carry it through to lasting change. Through his writing, research and consultancy — including Democratise, the consultancy he founded — he has helped modernise democratic processes around the world.
Andy understands complex environments, describes them clearly, and reimagines them. He supports organisations to transform both culture and process to become more creative, open, transparent and effective. He has a track record of securing project funding and delivering complex projects from inception to completion.
Andy brings considerable experience in qualitative and participatory research, social policy and digital strategy, with a background that bridges global governance, social and technology policy, corporate, civil society and education.
As a highly regarded writer and speaker, Andy is a leading voice in modernising parliaments and advancing participatory democracy worldwide.
Andy has held numerous commercial, public sector and civil society board and advisory positions around the globe. With a strong strategic focus, he has worked as a senior advisor to governments, chaired charity boards and advised on governance and policy.
“Andy spryly hurdles the boundaries of academia and policy. He brings subjects to life by ensuring their relevance is understood by those in business and government. Andy’s intellectual curiosity leads him to achieve genuine and lasting impact.”
A practical handbook for public sector leaders: move beyond AI hype with clear frameworks, realistic pathways, and governance guidance you can act on straight away.
We have a problem; too many of us feel that democracy is broken. It’s time to take democracy on a journey towards a new world of intimacy and networked co-creation. This book is about how we make that happen.
Essential reading for researchers, educators and commissioners alike, this book brings together twenty-six case studies that describe approaches for bringing ‘the community’ into research as active participants.
“Andy is well informed, well connected and extremely enthusiastic, which he has a talent for conveying to his audience. I come away from any conversation completely fired up and ready for action.”
The IPU’s World e-Parliament Report series is a world-leading analysis of the strategic use of digital tools in parliaments.
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As AI’s impact is being felt around the world, the Maturity Framework helps parliaments understand where they are and create a shared language and roadmap for the future.
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AI raises complex issues of governance, regulation and use for democratic institutions, with key questions around transparency and accountability. The AI guidelines for Parliaments is a good practice solution.
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Digital tools have transformed democratic institutions, and this guide helps policymakers understand that the journey is about more than technology.
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The Kyiv-based Academy of Public Participation encourages openness, transparency and engagement through digital technologies, supporting better connections between civil society and public bodies in Ukraine.
How does a global business build confidence and decision making skills in its workforce? Andy worked with Volvo to develop a role-playing game that teaches people how to work together to solve problems and take confident, accurate decisions locally, saving both time and money for the company.
Moving to a digital parliament requires planning and strategy. Andy has supported the digital transformation and modernisation of many parliaments, including Serbia, Moldova and Armenia.
A critical review of deliberative democracy in Council of Europe member states that developed guidelines for good practice and recommendations for policy makers and practitioners.
View →“Andy’s work is at the cutting edge of modernising parliaments.”
Get in touch to see how Andy can help make democracy work better for everyone
andy@andywilliamson.comWe all love democracy, but if you came here looking for Andy’s writing, poetry and creative projects then you’ll find those here:
Poetry and creative portfolio →