initiativs

An initiative (plural initiatives; sometimes encountered as 'initiativs' in non-English spellings) is a proposal to take a specific action, often formalized as a law, policy, or program. The term is used most widely in politics, where citizens or groups seek to place a measure on a ballot, and in organizations where teams propose new programs. The precise rules and scope vary by jurisdiction.

In political contexts, initiatives are part of direct democracy or participatory governance. A popular or citizen initiative begins with collecting signatures to demonstrate public support, then is submitted to a legislative body or directly to a vote. If approved, the measure becomes law or a constitutional amendment. The process is subject to thresholds, time limits, and judicial review, and can operate differently from referendums, which typically require legislative origin or approval of existing proposals.

In corporate and organizational settings, an initiative is a strategic project or program that a group proposes to advance an objective, such as entering a new market or implementing a digital transformation. Initiatives require sponsorship, defined goals, governance, and metrics. They may be funded as independent programs and scheduled on roadmaps with milestones and evaluation of impact.

Variations and terminology differ by country. Some systems emphasize citizen-driven ballot measures; others rely on representative institutions to initiate or veto proposals. The concept of initiative exists alongside related ideas like referendum, petition, and proposal processes.