While the White House is looking to collaboratively specify crowd-sourcing tools, the UK is also seeking to bring people together "to solve social challenges with digital technology" (spotted via @katebennet).
DotGovLabs (which is co-funded by Directgov, NHS Choices and Business Link - the three main UK government websites) has established an Innovation Hub for the government to work on social issues in partnership with users, investors, charities, innovators and the private sector.
"It's a space where people can explore possibilities, challenge government policy; find other like minded people, work as a team to solve a problem, secure investment, and where their voice, contribution and talent will be recognised. It's kind of a Big Society approach that puts government around a table with others to find digital solutions to specific challenge areas."
It looks like a useful way of helping people on the outside get access to government, while officials in turn get access to a wider ecosystem of digital innovators.
The hub's website launched in November and is currently invite-only.
Interestingly, it also (among other things) suggests participants will have the chance to "challenge government policy". The government generally does seem to be working hard to make digital innovation easier; it will be fascinating to see how far it is prepared to go to provide help.
Recent comments