Citizen Participation in Public Budgeting: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic literature review (2013–2021) explores participatory budgeting (PB) as an institutional innovation to strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen inclusion in fiscal governance. The review finds that well-designed PB initiatives not only enhance trust in government but also direct resources toward marginalized groups and foster civic competencies. Key enablers include strong political will, inclusive institutional frameworks, and effective follow-up to ensure citizen inputs translate into real outcomes. Nevertheless, persistent barriers such as low participation, elite capture, and digital exclusion especially in contexts with weak institutions limit PB’s effectiveness. Overall, the study concludes that PB’s success is highly context-dependent, requiring continuous investment in institutional capacity and accountability, while future research should address its long-term impacts, the role of digital platforms, and integration into broader governance reforms.