Photo own, published with permission from Sarah Casey
I have noticed a surge in criticism of the various efforts of government to ‘get digital engagement’. I think this is healthy and normal. I would like to add my 2pth to why I think this is happening, why it is not anything to be afraid of and in fact is encouraging. (This includes data, but I will write about that separately).
Many of my blog posts, and indeed many of the bloggers I read, have charted government’s move towards making good use of digital communication and social media tools. In the last year there has been a marked surge ahead in what had seemed a lonely battle, fought by few. For example:
1. Matt Tee has asked that all departments have a digital engagement strategy by the end of March 2010
2. The publication of documents such as Digital Britain, Smarter Government, and even *that* Open Source strategy published on Friday
3. The third successful year of the UK Gov Barcamp, attended by a great mix of civil service and private sector
4. The launch of data.gov.uk
5. Investment in making sure that no one is left out
On reflection, it seems that we have now managed to learn some of the key functions of what it takes to attract consultation (e-democracy) and build a responsive community (which is fundamentally what I think all this activity comes down to):
- identifying communities
- learning how to build on our own communities and networks
- getting to grips with the role of blogging and microblogging in organisations
- refining the art of collaborative consultation (in principle)
- getting the non-personal data published in its raw form
- addressing the finer points of secure access to the Internet, particularly social media
- understanding that this requires a change in organisational behaviour
The maturity of understanding is there too, as demonstrated by the depth of discussion at UK Gov Barcamp – people now are beginning to grasp the fact that understanding the tools and how they work, freeing up the data, breaking down the barriers, realising the true cost (as well as the savings) is simply the necessary functional, biological steps this infant must learn in order to be ready for school, for life. Being able to walk, communicate with language as well as signals, awareness of social space, empathy, taking care of our own necessary functions (that no one really needs to know about), means that we are ready for big school – to be taught by those with years of experience and training, in a variety of disciplines.
I think it is important for us to note that this is where we are, and not think we are anywhere near our super sweet 16 coming out party – there is a long way to go, but the body is healthy and the mind being prepared. Many of those who read my blog are already a part of this world, the parental role in my metaphor, and so I urge an exercise in responsibility, encouragement, discipline and restraint when we are ready to beat our respective heads against the concrete wall of bureaucracy.
PS I have not written a post for months, essentially because blogging about the general state of the digital gov world is quite tricky to capture, but I am going to have a go at charting what I can of some of the disciplines over the next few months.
I found this an interesting post. I teach over 50′s to use the internet and social media for the first time, and I have an interest in the overlap with the OpenGov and OpenData movements (are they movements?), and how citizens in the future will be able to communicate and collaborate with the individuals and people who govern them and the issues which affect them.
I think the critisism you mentioned (Although I have not been party to who is being critical and what these critisims are about) is normal aswel.
We do not know what the future of the internet will be – and although there is a swing to jump into social media (personally, in business, and in gov) there are doubts for everyone about the potential cost vs benefits of openness. I think the key it talking about it … and what it means and bringing up all the issues surrounding it – which I think the unconferences have been a good starting point.
I would encourage other people who have read the post made by Emma to make a comment. Do not be a lurker – comment event to acknowledge that you have read the post and give at least a little feedback to start a discussion>>>
Delighted to see you back on the blog
Am curious about whether we had more teachers than students at the barcamp, or the other way around? And whether we needed a bit more in the way of a visit from the board of Governors?
( oh, and I forgot to mention my blog, as featured on your lovely Roll, moved a few months back to http://paulclarke.com/honestlyreal )
Thanks Paul, yes, just battling through the block – will come up with something sensible shortly
There were no teachers – in the sense that I am talking about above – at Barcamp!
Sorry about your blog, my blog roll is appallingly neglected, will fix it this week.
since when did publication of documents [and data on data.gov.uk] count as ‘digital engagement’. Frankly govt is terrible at engagement with its citizens and research shows that when they do contact govt their experience often leaves them with a worse opinion. there is absolutely no point in believing either politicians or civil servants’ spin that publishing a document means that either anything substantive has been done or will be done – often it means the exact opposite. Many strategy documents, promises and plans are strictly for appearances, just like Mao’s 5 year plans with the difference that those actually had an effect….
Yes, I take your point, but getting the data out there for the developer community to use, or businesses to use – is one of the moves towards building an engaged digital community.
I hope that the work that has begun will start to have a visible effect soon and that the engagement with everyone becomes a far faster, more focused process. No one wants to chat to government for fun, let’s face it.