Online consultation:Or digitally-enhancedpolicymaking?

Paul Johnston & Steph Gray

UK Gov Web BarcampLondon, 31 Jan 2009

Some problems:

• Too few people take part• It’s generally the same people• Input isn’t properlyacknowledged, analysed, discussedand refined• It’s a single, laborious iteration,not an ongoing dialogue

Vision:

• Sourcing creative ideas• From diverse sources• Which are used to improve policy• As part of an ongoing conversation

Digitally-enhancedpolicymaking?

Opportunity

• Identifying problems to fix• Finding people who can help• Coming up with options• Testing & refining suggestions• Drafting a possible solution• Identifying snags and refinements• Validating whether it works

Private URL

Understanding Finding Discussing Validating

http://netvibes.com/diuscommunications

Understanding Finding Discussing Validating

http://interactive.dius.gov.uk/scienceandsociety/

Understanding Finding Discussing Validating

Understanding Finding Discussing Validating

http://talk.dius.gov.uk/blogs/adultlearning

http://interactive.dius.gov.uk/innovationnation

Understanding Finding Discussing Validating

Questions

• What does real policy dialoguelook like online?• What’s a good process forgenerating and refining ideas?• Should there be an end point?