Why are we so excited about "Open Government"
Open Government is defined simply by three (3) terms;
- Transparency
- Participation
- Collaboration
Open government has two major streams (and emphasis).
These are;
- Open Data and Open Information supplied to the public(Transparency), and
- Community Engagement (Participation and Collaboration)
Community Engagement involves not only participation from both sides, but also collaboration.
Where is the key information held on the global Open Government Initiative - Open Government Initiative
A major project on Community Engagement has been initiated by the Federal Government in Australia G'day Community Engagement Downunder
Newcastle and Geelong show the way - Renewing City Retail Activities
Victoria starts the Gov2.0 process - A Gov2.0 Action Plan
There is an extensive amount of information about Open Government (including case studies on all aspects) at OpenGov Playbook
There is a good description of Open Government and its short history from US enthusiasts - Local Open Government Directive
The new paradigm is "Community Engagement".
What does this mean to the public?
Everything!
A think tank in the USA (Institute for Local Government) has some great insights and advice on Effective Community Engagement
Community Engagement is the new approach where government talk to their communities (in advance) before making any decision. Government needs to get their community (public) involved in the decision processes.
But it does not stop here.
Once a decision is made, the community is again consulted and then the Community is involved throughout the process. The community is then "privy: to the exact outcomes from any decision so that the outcomes can be compared with the "promises" and further community input can be taken and acted on.
This new paradigm has the community at the centre of any government decision (affecting them) and allows for feedback on the process and the outcomes.
This provides very useful and timely information to the public (community) but also places increased pressure on communities and community members to join in, be involved and help make the decision process more robust and able to deliver acceptable outcomes.
If a project fails there will be no "finger pointing" or blaming government - government will only be delivering (to the best of its ability) the outcomes defined and stipulated by the community.
This is the ultimate in Community Engagement (and where we need to be).