In her latest column for Governing, Network chair Beth Simone Noveck explores the way emerging tools are providing better ways for governments to collaborate with citizens, particularly in the areas of agenda-setting and brainstorming, voting, drafting and discussion and Q&A.
“As we explore the role of new technologies in changing how government makes policies and delivers services, one form of technology is emerging that has the potential to foster decision-making that’s not only more effective but also more legitimate: platforms for organizing communication by groups across a distance.
Long known as groupware in the business world, such tools now are either being adapted or purpose-built to facilitate conversation and collaboration between government and citizens with the goal of enabling democracy that is more participatory and inclusive of diverse voices.”
