The INCT Participa connects and empowers a network of national researchers and international collaborators to advance knowledge on how the interactions between political actors and civil society have evolved in post-2013 Brazil. The initiative places special emphasis on innovations in participation – whether institutional or extra-institutional – as well as formal or informal associativism and disruptive or uncivil forms of civil society mobilization.

In pursuit of this overarching goal, the INCT establishes dual partnerships: with research centers and researchers operating at both national and international levels, and with civil society organizations, which are engaged in the project as co-producers of knowledge. The INCT’s partnerships also extend to government agencies and state technical specialists dedicated to participation and associative programs. They involve the training of public servants and social actors in the three INCT research areas: transformations in participation; transformations in associativism; and transformations in political contention.

As outlined in its internal charter, the INCT may establish partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, funding bodies, and research centers, provided these partnerships align with INCT’s objectives and activities. International researchers may also collaborate in INCT activities through the centers or by invitation from the Steering Committee, depending on their expressed interest.