For DEMOCRACY-07: Contribution to a Consortium

IPS Innovative Prison Systems is well positioned to contribute to HORIZON‑CL2‑2026‑01‑DEMOCRACY‑07 through its long-standing expertise in radicalisation prevention, violent extremism disengagement, organised crime disruption, and international judicial cooperation, all of which are central to rebuilding democratic governance in fragile and post‑conflict environments. With a portfolio grounded in applied research and human‑rights‑based institutional reform, IPS brings a rare combination of operational experience and scientific rigour that directly supports the development of sustainable peace, accountability, and inclusive democratic reconstruction.

Drawing on its extensive work in projects such as R2PRIS, MIRAD, INTEGRA, PARTES, COOPERHATE, and IN2PREV, IPS can contribute to the analysis of conflict legacies, the identification of structural inequalities, and the design of evidence‑based strategies that address the socio‑psychological, cultural, and institutional drivers of instability. IPS’s interdisciplinary methodologies—spanning criminology, sociology, psychology, and legal studies—enable the organisation to examine how trauma, polarisation, extremist narratives, and criminal networks undermine democratic transitions. At the same time, its strong human rights and rule‑of‑law orientation ensures that proposed solutions prioritise dignity, equity, and the protection of vulnerable groups, including displaced populations, justice‑involved youth, and communities affected by intergenerational conflict.

A defining strength of IPS lies in its capacity to translate research into practice through high‑quality training, scenario‑based exercises, and capacity‑building programmes for frontline professionals, public administrators, educators, and civil society actors. This expertise aligns directly with the call’s emphasis on empowering local organisations to promote reconciliation, accountability, and the reintegration of individuals affected by conflict. IPS can design and pilot innovative training curricula that support transitional justice processes, counter harmful narratives, and reinforce community‑led reconstruction efforts, while also contributing to psychosocial support and reintegration pathways for groups exposed to violence or instability.

Furthermore, IPS’s established networks with European institutions, local authorities, NGOs, and international organisations allow it to act as a bridge between research, policy, and practice, ensuring that project findings are translated into actionable recommendations for democratic reconstruction, integrity and anti‑corruption measures, and inclusive governance. Its strong communication and dissemination capabilities reinforce the impact and visibility of project outcomes. Through its multidisciplinary team and proven track record in coordinating complex, multi‑country initiatives, IPS can help ensure that the project delivers robust, context‑sensitive, and sustainable contributions to peacebuilding and democratic resilience in post‑conflict settings.