Public trust in regional policymaking and citizen demands for engagement

Abstract Trust serves both as a social signal and as an alternative governance mechanism, enhancing confidence in collective action and institutional commitment to the public good. This study investigates how trust—particularly in regional organizations—influences citizen engagement in policymaking processes. Drawing on survey data from 7729 respondents across four European regions, via our Bayesian linear mixed-effect model, we find that higher levels of trust in regional organizations and perceived individual’s trust is significantly associated with higher citizen demand for engagement in policy development. However, a notable gender disparity emerges: while women report higher levels of trust in regional organizations, this does not translate into a greater demand for engagement. This finding underscores the need for more inclusive and equity-oriented engagement strategies that address gendered differences in political efficacy and perceived responsiveness. Our results have practical implications for participatory governance, particularly in the context of addressing complex urban sustainability challenges.