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Web 2.0 and Social Media
Revolutionising Local Government
by Dr. Nick Marsh and Christine Gooding
Early technology e-Government has traditionally focused on the automation or computerisation of paper-based services of central and local government agencies, e-commerce functionality, e-mail etc. The aim has been to enhance the access to and delivery of government services to benefit citizens, business partners and employees.
In simple terms, social media are conversations among and between people and communities usually conducted through the Internet and mobile phones. Social media tools such as Facebook, Bebo and Youtube are examples of tools that power these conversations.
The emergence of Web 2.0 internet platforms (promoting interactive conversation and social media access) has already had a profound effect in sectors such as Tourism and Travel (e.g. Airline aggregators, Trip Advisor), and buying/selling second hand goods (e.g. TradeMe).
Local Authorities employ many consultation and survey techniques using traditional processes. But employing social media expands the number of platforms available. However the more profound impact is to enable stakeholder and customer groups to become much more involved and influential in the decision making of local councils.
We believe that the use of Web 2.0 and social media represent a paradigm shift for local government in engagement, power-sharing and influence of individuals, groups, and communities in the decision making of councils.
There are a number of case studies around the world of cities which are experimenting with different types of social media to improve their effectiveness.
For more information please email Nick Marsh - nick.marsh@nextcorporation.net