Systematic evaluation of public participation projects: Analytical framework and application based on two Belgian neighborhood watch projects

In this article, we present an analytical framework that lists the conditions for successful public participation in government affairs. In view of the increased importance of neighborhood watch projects/information networks, we apply the framework to this form of public participation. We analyze and compare two Belgian cases on the basis of document analysis, interviews with participants involved in the cases and a panel of experts. Our case study shows that the conditions that are described in the current article (participation and collaboration, resources, policy involvement, communication, context, method, and continuity) are relevant for analyses of this type and indicate important guidelines for government communication policies.