Professor Dr. Oliver Escobar

Biography

Oliver Escobar is a Professor of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on participatory deliberative democracy, particularly in the areas of public participation, policy innovation, and governance. He combines research practice to develop social democratic innovations in policy within community contexts. Escobar has been instrumental in significant projects such as the Edinburgh Futures Institute's Democratic Innovation and has served in various leadership roles within the Centre for Ethics and Critical Thought. He has authored and co-edited numerous publications, including influential works on public dialogue and democratic governance. His experience spans various sectors, from academia to community engagement, and he has led initiatives aimed at enhancing public services through participatory methods. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Escobar actively contributes to the discourse on democracy and citizen engagement in both local and global platforms.

Research Interests