Policy-making is typically carried out through a set of activities described as "policy-cycle" (Howard 2005). In this document we propose a new way of implementing policies, by first assessing their impacts in a virtual environment.

While different versions of the cycle are proposed in literature, in this context we adopt a simple version articulated in 5 phases:

1. agenda setting encompasses the basic analysis on the nature and size of problems at stakes are addressed, including the causal relationships between the different factors
2. policy design includes the development of the possible solutions, the analysis of the potential impact of these solutions3, the development and revision of a policy proposal
3. adoption is the cut-off decision on the policy. This is the most delicate and sensitive area, where accountability and representativeness are needed. It is also the area most covered by existing research on e-democracy
4. implementation is often considered the most challenging phase, as it needs to translate the policy objectives in concrete activities, that have to deal with the complexity of the real world. It includes ensuring a broader understanding, the change of behaviour and the active collaboration of all stakeholders.
5. Monitoring and evaluation make use of implementation data to assess whether the policy is being implemented as planned, and is achieving the expected objectives.

The figure above(authors’ elaboration based on Howard 2005 and EC 2009) illustrates the main phases of the policy cycle (in the internal circle) and the typical concrete activities (external circle) that accompany this cycle. In particular, the identified activities are based on the Impact Assessment Guidelines of the European Commission (EC 2009).

Traditionally, the focus about the impact of technology in policy-making has been on the adoption phase, analysing the implications of ICT for direct democracy. In the context of the CROSSOVER project, we adopt a broader conceptual framework that embraces all phases of policy-making.