Innovation was defined at the summit (very quickly, with very little time to elaborate). To reiterate;
Innovation is the gathering and sorting of ideas and the implementation of the "best" ideas.

There are an unlimited number of ideas (opinions) on the internet.
There can be a large number of ideas associated with a solution to any problem/issue.
The internet has the ability to generate/deliver ideas by the bucket full.
But we need to be able to sort through the ideas, pull out the best ones, evaluate these, decide on which is most appropriate (judgement) and then do something (hopefully) like implement a good solution.

This is what Innovation can do for us.
INNOVATION is essential for deciding on and delivering the good ideas for "Open Government".
This fact has been emphasised in a number of leading Open Government initiatives (mentioned at the Summit);
a ManorLabs - an ideas portal for collecting and analysing good ideas from the community or staff
b Simplicity program in New York City (where the key to success) is two ideas portals (one for staff and one for community)
The links to these case studies can be found at Summit Agenda.

2 Your "opinions" and "judgments" comment is a good one.
I would agree but use the terms "ideas" and "actions".
The internet is swamped with ideas (opinions) but not much action (judgement on what is best and what to do).
See post below on this challenge.

In my view a number of the technical issues/ timing etc that Darron raised had the effect of limiting participation, or at best, restricting it to what you would normally see at a public event like this, i.e. only a low percentage of those present actually participated in discussion. Open Government is not a tradition and it is not going to be supported by a traditional approach to a public meeting – speakers lined up out front, "lecture" style presentations with a reliance on powerpoint, and very low interaction.

The point was well made during the summit, and again here by Darron, that internet access/ usage in Shoalhaven is below state/ national average. This led to a conclusion that it would be flawed to rely on web 2.0 technologies, which I support. My prediction is that we will see very limited use of this wiki site. There is however, another major problem with reliance on internet and that is the very quality of interactions that arise. In general, internet participation/ engagement supports opinion where as properly managed personal interactions lead to well considered judgements. Every one has an opinion, few have a well considered judgement. What do you value most? What do you want policy makers to base their policies on?

I attended a public forum on deliberative democracy in Sydney in February this year, with a number of international contributors. The strong feeling of these leading practitioners was that the internet has much to offer but a limited track record in supporting engagement beyond the superficial level. Deliberative democracy was a main theme in my presentation at the summit - please read and comment on my contribution here on this site at Graeme Gibson presentation.

As I said at the start I have been thinking about this for years and am delighted it took place. It will be a disappointment if it stops there. The point was made that the timing of the summit (weekday morning) limited attendance.

My suggestion is that another summit be held in Nowra in the evening, soon, and maybe also in Ulladulla. This should be organised to utilise the strengths of this weeks day time summit and deal with some of the weaknesses. It needs a working group to manage this. Who's up for it?

Posted by Darron Passlow
The initial Open Government summit focused on the use of web based tools (Web 2.0) to help deliver Open Government, including a number of very relevant case studies (on the innovative use of these tools).
It was pointed out and supported by a number of astute attendees that not everyone (and in fact probably a minority) have access to the technology or more importantly the confidence or competency to use the current range of sophisticated Web2.0 tools.
The mayor commented that the Australian census indicated (on the question of "Do you use a computer and the internet at home?") that the Shoalhaven area scored below NSW and Australian averages on this matter.
There was general acknowledgement that the tools (particularly web based) were there to enhance the communications (engagement process) and not to drive it and not to eliminate the good old traditional ways of communicating (face to face, meetings, etc). In fact it was agreed that the traditional ways would remain for a long time to come. The web based tools (in theory) open up the debate to a much wider and more representative audience (participants).
The problem mentioned in Technical Issues above (timing of event) could be alleviated with Web 2.0 technology (and a good old webcast) allowing more people to attend (virtually) or at least be part of the conversation through an interactive wiki or say Twitter. None of these were used during this inaugural summit. Perhaps this is another item for technical consideration (I will add it)

Posted by Darron Passlow
A few technical issues arose on the summit day which could have been removed by better planning.
1 A handout (agenda) had an error - missing 1 key presentation item (of concern)
2 Organisation for the screen based presentations did not allow smooth transition between presenters (minor)
3 The first hour with 8 presentations overran into the 2nd hour. This cut into the unconfernce (1 hour) second half. Not a major issue for the inaugural summit and all presentations were well researched, interesting and well received.
4 40 minutes of unconference (which involved some questions and some relevant discussion) was adequate for 1st summit - format and content of the unconference section needs more thought and better definition in future.
5 Several attendees mentioned that the time (930 to 1200) may not be appropriate for a large number of people (who might be working) - worth considering
6 The venue in the city was a good location but had 2 hour parking restriction in vicinity, which meant people had to leave the conference (or should have) to move their cars.
7. No feedback form was provided to allow participants to write comments before leaving. Advice was given that the place to comment would be on this wiki and the direct link to this wiki is to be put up on the Shoalhaven City web site, so that attendees can visit, join, see presentations and make comments. It will be interesting to see how many attendees take advantage of this.
8. Perhaps web 2.0 technology could have been used and demonstrated as part of this conference (interactive wiki, twitter, webcast, etc). Worth thinking about for future summits. (late entry)

Please edit (under "Options") this post here (with your name) if you have any other technical/organisation issues. For example, did the appropriate mailings/notification of the event arrive in reasonable time, giving you time to organise your attendance?

The inaugural LOGIS for Australia was held in Nowra NSW Australia on Wednesday 18th May 2011.
This area will allow comments and feedback on the summit.
Feedback is important to ensure that the next Local Open Government Innovation Summit held in Australia or (elsewhere) benefits and improves based on the successes and outcomes from the first summit.

If you are new to using a wiki have a look at this short, entertaining video Wikis in Plain English Remember if you leave this wiki to go off and view this video, use the "BACK" (button/arrow) to return to this discussion after you have viewed the video.

Please add your feedback as a "Reply" or a "New Post" below.

Neighbours Forum is proving successful in a number of cities/municipalities across US and England.
Worth a look and perhaps setting up a local forum here.

Neighbours Forum

Don Lenihan is project managing a community engagement exercise across a number of local council areas in Victoria.

This site is the blog where the results will be published.

G'day Community Engagement Project

Keep and eye on this and comment where appropriate.

Registrations are flowing in.
1 week to go and we have 34 registrations covering Shoalhaven Community members, council representatives, state politicians, employees from other councils/authorities and 6 presenters (not includedin the registration number).

This represents a healthy number and cross-section which should lead to a worthwhile session and debate.

An initial step for acceptance of Open Government at the local level before initiating a Local Open Government Directive. Open Government Principle
Would it be a good idea to adopt this principal first, on the way to a full Local Open Government Initiative?

Welcome comments.

The following draft document is presented here for comments;
Draft Community Engagement Policy - 12th April 2011

Shoalhaven Council has been told it is living in the dark ages over its deferral of plans for a new community engagement policy - noisy self interest minority groups, could hijack the city's decision making process.
Fact or fiction?

Some councilors have concerns about community involvement in council decisions.
Are these valid concerns or can they be addressed?
Refer a local radio station news item (Thur 14/4), which contained the following content;
'Council Engagement Off-For Now Thur 14/4
Thursday, 14 April 2011 05:15 2ST News
Shoalhaven Council has told it is living in the dark ages over its deferral of plans for a new community engagement policy. noisy self interest minority groups, could hijack the city's decision making process.

Council this week decided to seek more information, and obtain a briefing from staff about the policy, following warnings

Some of the tools suggested in the new policy included citizen juries, ballots, and delegated decisions,

Cr Andrew Guile says the policy as proposed would see the end of democracy in local government , and people making decisions, without having to face the ballot box

Graeme Gibson of Huskisson Woolamia Community Voice says council's current thinking is out of step with the expectation of locals who desperately want to be engaged in the decision making process."

A major "open gov" conference is to be held again in Portland Oregon 14-15 May 2011.

Open Gov West

Open Gov West is a two day conference at the intersection of
technology, civic engagement, and open government. From across North
America, governments, nonprofits, technology companies, and civic
organizations converge to hear from leaders who have launched
innovative, cost-effective projects.

We will get to an event like this in the future.
What do you think?

All you need to do is join up and reply to this post here or complete the "Topic Template" below by using "edit" at the "Topic Template" entry.

Nice work, Darron.

I won't be able to make the summit, but I will definitely be interested to hear how it all goes.

I hve added the summit to the LGAM Calendar.

http://www.lgam.info/2011-calendar

And will give it a bit of a plug.

Regards,

Wayne.

Wayne Eddy
Bundaberg, Australia
LGAM Knowledge Base

This area has been set up to allow members to make comments initially on the Summit agenda but then on the Summit itself or what should be included in future summits (conferences).

Then go to Local Open Government Innovation Summit in Nowra

This forum has been set up to educate both local government people and their community leaders on the benefits of Open Government.
You are invited to attend and show your support for this initiative. There is no cost to attend this forum.

We welcome your comments here or by contacting Shoalhaven City Council on 02-4429 3270

See what Open Government is about - Open Government Explained

Have a look at the benefits that could accrue - Benefits of Open Government

Have a look at the agenda for the summit - Summit Agenda

The Institute for Local Government (US) has some interesting guidelines and suggestions on Effective Community Engagement

Make a comment here through this forum, by joining the group (there is no cost to join) and reply to this post.

The organiser

The Sunlight Foundation has organised a number of forums (unconferences) in the past.
Here is what they are planning for the next conference.

Transparency Camp Survey and Agenda Setting

Open Data - an International Comparison

Open Government must start with transparency (both internally to government - staff and externally - to the public).
There is a strong debate currently being held in "Ozloop" (Pillars of Open Government) at Transparency Debate

There is a debate on the "Pillars of Open Government" being held on OzLoop (an Australian wiki for Open Government).

Have a look at Pillars of Open Government
Make sure you read the comments against the main post.
Add your comments here or go to OzLoop and join up.

Open Government is simply defined as;

1. Transparency
2. Participation
3. Collaboration

What do you think is important?