The Impact of Social Computing on Public Services: a Rationale for Government 2.0

In this article the impact of the fast emerging social computing trend on the public sector is explored. This exploration is based on the results of a study commissioned by the Institute for Prospective and Technological Studies (IPTS)2. Three cases of social computing initiatives in diverse public sectors (learning, healthcare and law enforcement) are described in depth. The cases provide anecdotal evidence that the social computing trend yields political, socio-cultural, organisational and legal impacts. Existing political power balances may shift due tothe empowerment of groups of citizens using social computing applications. In addition, the cases show that in social computing communities values such as informality, openness and equality may become more dominant. The cases also show a far reaching decentralisation of the creation process. Furthermore, it seems that legal frameworks are increasingly under pressure as existing legislation does not match the open process of content creation. Concluding, we found strong anecdotal pointers for social computing impact in the public sector, which urges governments to review their policies.

VAN DEN BROEK Tijs;  FRISSEN Valerie;  HUIJBOOM Noor;  PUNIE Yves; 

2010-05-10

European Union

JRC58317

1988-625X,