Social media

In the past year, there has been enormous hype in the media about the growth of Web 2.0 and the use of social networking by the millennial generation. There has also been much publicity about the use of Web 2.0 in business and government. This report deconstructs the hype and presents the potential uses of social computing in government, discusses the barriers to Web 2.0, and presents what citizens think about Web 2.0.

Government, like the private sector, is now beginning to tap into and deploy the resources of organizations and individuals in other sectors to develop and create innovations, such as new ways to deliver public services.

Dr. Wyld examines the phenomenon of blogging in the context of the larger revolutionary forces at play in the development of the second-generation Internet, where interactivity among users is key. This is also referred to as "Web 2.0." Wyld observes that blogging is growing as a tool for promoting not only online engagement of citizens and public servants, but also offline engagement. He describes blogging activities by members of Congress, governors, city mayors, and police and fire departments in which they engage directly with the public.

There are new and exciting opportunities to engage citizens by informing, consulting, involving, and collaborating with them through a number of techniques; for example, the use of online surveys and peer-to-peer communication tools such as blogs and wikis. Many of these are now being piloted and used by states, localities, and nonprofits. There is also an increased interest by federal agencies. But the challenge of reaching those who don’t already participate as activists or interest group members remains.

This report presents examples of how government agencies are succeeding at selling both everyday items and high-end goods via online auctions. It provides a comprehensive review of online auction sales by discussing the theory and practice of auctions. Five case studies of how online auctioning is now being employed are presented: eBay and the Public Sector; the Department of Defense and Liquidity Services, Inc.; Bid4Assets--Taking Tax Sales off the Courthouse Steps; Property Bureau--Transforming the Police Auction; and the Demolition of Three Rivers Stadium.

This project examines the changing operational challenges faced by today’s public managers as they participate in collaborative undertakings with other governments and the nongovernmental sector. The lessons are derived from experiences in several Midwestern states, where many established networks operate. Collaboration: Networks and PartnershipsMissions and Programs

This report seeks to fill the gap that exists in understanding the technology readiness of the government workforce and the impact on leveraging wireless technology for e-government applications. Technology and E-Government

Three case studies illustrate how government organizations are now using technology to enhance citizen participation. The report addresses a fundamental challenge of government in the digital age: How can individuals engage in a two-way dialogue on public issues without relying on interest groups or other intermediaries? Technology has created new tools for allowing citizens to more meaningfully participate in a dialogue with their fellow citizens and their government.