gov2.0 what next

Gov2.0 apps – what next?

•Weak link to democracy in existing applications

•Mainly functional development or Open Data applications

New York City's Health Department offers a smartphone app that finds

the nearest free condom distributor...

•…some apps help people to buy, sell and recycle their stuff...

•In Salt Lake City you can report an illegally parked car, undocumented workers or graffiti

•Citizens can vote on renovation projects

•Officials view the suggestion

•Open data apps often serve functional purposes, too

These are great innovations. But something’s lacking….

Government is currently only committed to models where there is a clear and limited function, with no decision-making, public profile or sociability

Besides using the existing social media applications creatively, we could create new platforms and application to socially and transparently engage with citizens.

The way Vancouver takes advantage of Uservoice is a step towards the right direction

•Would interactivity between government and citizens create a more interesting way to solve problems at grass-roots level, allowing everyone to win?

•Working assumption: yes, if :

•the discussion leads to a concrete result

• the decision making is transparent

•and the process does not undermine representative democracy

Why do it?

Transparency and engagement builds trust

Officials will demonstrate commitment by showing their face

A learning process towards electronic advisory questions and digital citizen polls?

Taneli.heikka@gmail.com

Riku.siivonen@gmail.com

http://avajaopen.fi/