June 30, 2009 By Matt Williams
Web 2.0 technologies have matured to the point that the concept of e-government is moving toward an "e-governance" model, according to a recently published white paper from technology consultancy Accenture. In other words, e-governance includes citizens who are engaged electronically.
What does widespread usage of social media like YouTube and social networks like Facebook mean for governments and their constituents?
"These new technologies are enabling governments that are progressive and thinking strategically to really fundamentally alter and strengthen their relationships with citizens," Greg Parston, the director of Accenture's Institute for Public Service Value, told Government Technology. "It's not a relationship that's merely about the voting booth or the bus ride anymore. It's an ongoing, informative and interactive relationship, which is empowering citizens and allowing government to learn and educate as it has never done before."
The paper, called Web 2.0 Collaboration Tools for the Next Generation of Public Service, is available for free download from the institute.
Parston said that after more than three years of research as well as discussion groups conducted in 13 cities around the world, Accenture's team of researchers had identified four commonalities that citizens want from their government: outcomes, balance, engagement and transparency.
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Based off of discussions of the Digital Communities Large Jurisdiction Chief Information Officer (CIO) Working Group, this white paper aims to answer the question, "In today's economic, political and business environment, what constitutes a successful relationship between government and industry?" Cause for Optimism identifies and clarifies the issues that separate government and industry, and begins to find an answer to the question necessary for both to enjoy a successful and prosperous future.
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