Web 2.0 for the Public Sector

There are diverging views concerning the definition of the term web 2.0. According to a widespread comprehension, web 2.0 is about those technologies that effect cultural change, collaboration and interaction within society. The novelty of web 2.0 remains a subject of speculation, because many components already existed in the past and were primarily rearranged. From a technological point of view the use of “Asynchronous JavaScript and XML” (AJAX) and the widespread provision of open application interfaces are worth mentioning. In cultural terms, the production of content by anyone as well as the collective development, reuse and evaluation of content become more and more important. Preconditions for this alteration are applications that simplify the production of content and the possibility of getting access to the knowledge of many. With the help of easy to use content management systems in the form of blogs or wikis as well as social networks and bookmarking services, it is easier to provide content and to interact with friends, colleagues or even strangers who share the same interests.

The transfer of these web 2.0 principles to public administration is currently subsumed under the terms Government 2.0 and Open Government with a focus on the topics transparency, participation and collaboration. Recent examples can be found especially in the United States and Great Britain, but increasingly in Germany and other European countries as well.

The Work Group “High Performance Portals – Solutions for the Public Sector” started in the middle of 2009 to develop strategies and approaches for implementing innovative web 2.0 solutions in the public sector. The ongoing research investigates the potential of collaborative complaint management platforms, social networks within the administration and open data as a basis for further e-government applications.