ProjektForum

ProjektForum is a public relations and communications agency based in Bern, Switzerland, that specializes in facilitating participatory processes and dialogue for public administration, nonprofit organizations, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 2010, the firm focuses on societal topics, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive participation, offering a structured approach to managing complex discussions and community development projects. Unlike traditional PR agencies that emphasize media outreach, ProjektForum positions itself as a partner for designing and moderating collaborative processes, with a strong emphasis on methodology and documentation.

How ProjektForum Approaches Communications and Participation

At its core, ProjektForum works with clients to navigate societal issues by creating spaces for dialogue among diverse groups. The agency's team applies soziocratic principles to ensure inclusive participation, meaning that decision-making processes are designed to incorporate input from all relevant stakeholders. This is particularly relevant for clients in the public sector, such as government bodies and environmental consulting services, who need to manage citizen engagement or address community concerns. ProjektForum also supports nonprofits and networks working on societal innovations, offering critical accompaniment and workshop moderation to keep projects on track. The agency's expertise in participation analysis and beteiligungsforschung (participation research) allows it to tailor strategies to specific contexts, whether for urban planning, environmental debates, or social policy initiatives.

Core Services and Specialties

ProjektForum provides a range of services that cover the entire lifecycle of a participatory project, from initial analysis to final documentation. While the agency does not list individual services in its profile, its keywords and short description indicate the following likely capabilities:

• Process design and moderation for dialogue formats and events
• Stakeholder management and stakeholder engagement strategies
• Workshop moderation and facilitation for diverse groups
• Participation analysis and beteiligungsforschung
• Documentation and reporting of participatory processes
• Development of communication strategies for public administration and nonprofits
• Use of partizipationssoftware (participation software) to support digital engagement
• Critical accompaniment of community development and societal innovation projects

These services are designed to help clients build trust with their dialog groups, ensure transparency, and create outcomes that reflect collective input. For example, a city council in Bern might hire ProjektForum to moderate a series of public workshops on a new zoning policy, while an environmental NGO could engage the agency to facilitate stakeholder meetings on conservation initiatives. The agency's integrated approach means it handles everything from conceptualization to the final report, offering clients a single point of contact throughout the process.

Location and Client Base

Based in Bern, Switzerland, at 80 Neubrueckstrasse, ProjektForum is well-positioned to serve clients across the canton and beyond. The agency's work often involves government and public administration entities, reflecting Switzerland's strong tradition of direct democracy and citizen participation. However, its client list also includes nonprofits, networks, and SMEs that require structured dialogue processes for internal or external communication. ProjektForum's team brings diverse professional backgrounds to the table, allowing it to adapt to different sectors and topics. The agency's location in the capital city Bern provides access to key decision-makers in Swiss politics and civil society, while its focus on societal themes ensures relevance for organizations tackling complex, value-driven challenges.

ProjektForum is a good fit for organizations that need to engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue, whether for public consultation, community development, or internal consensus-building. Its strengths lie in process design, moderation, and documentation, making it suitable for clients who value transparency and inclusive decision-making. If you are a public institution, nonprofit, or SME in Switzerland looking to facilitate participatory processes with sensitivity and methodological rigor, ProjektForum offers a dedicated partner based in Bern.