Public Net-Work
E-Conference
October 15-29, 2003
http://publicus.net/publicnetwork
"Public net-work" is the strategic use
of information and communications technology to better implement established
public policy goals and programs through direct and diverse online stakeholder
involvement. From direct citizen volunteer involvement at the local
level to enhanced inter-governmental and NGO participation at the national
level, "public net-work" is a new concept that redefines the role of government
in the information age.
For more on this concept, and how it is
different from e-democracy and online consultation, please review the new
paper titled E-Democracy,
E-Governance and Public Net-Work.
The "public net-work" concept was initially
articulated for the OECD's
Project on the Impact of E-Government by Steven Clift, a member of
OECD's E-Government Associates Group. An updated version of his Public
Network: Online Information Exchange in the Pursuit of Public Service Goals
(Word - RTF) paper is available for download.
Registration - Space is Limited
This e-conference is limited to 30 participants.
It is designed specifically for public net-work practitioners - those using
ICTs to involve and deeply inform stakeholders and citizens in the ongoing
pursuit of public goals.
In order to register, each participant
must agree to provide a 500-750 word summary on their project or proposed
"public net-work" project. Those interested in participating in this e-conference
who are not directly involved with a qualifying project must identify and
agree to provide a 500-1000 word case study on an existing public net-work
project. These documents will be shared among e-conference participants.
In exchange for your content contributions, this e-conference has no cost
but your commitment to participate.
To start the registration process, send
an e-mail to Steven Clift <clift@publicus.net>
with your full contact details. Please include a paragraph on your project
or the project you propose for your case study. A suggested template
for project summaries and case studies will be provided.
Question: Is this a "public net-work"
project?
Because most interactive use of the Internet
in governance has focused on citizen "input" or consultation, it is important
to emphasize that "public net-work" assumes that major policy decisions
have been made and the funding levels established.
Governments (and NGOs, etc.) instead of
operating as sole providers of service, instead _publicly_ network stakeholders
with similar goals online in order to help them all more effectively achieve
their public missions. Governments often make ideal "hosts" because
many non-profit organizations are competing for resources despite their
shared goals or missions. Technologically, "Public net-work" projects
are a hybrid among public online consultations, "closed" or "restricted"
online inter-governmental information sharing networks, and online communities.
Those involved in limited membership networks
are welcome to participate in this e-conference based on the above requirements
if your organization is considering options to develop public (open to
all) components in your online system. Your experience and lessons
are important. Questions? Contact Steven Clift <clift@publicus.net>.