Engaging the crowds for innovation in the public sector

Engaging the crowds through the ICT helps organizations to reduce cost, bring in innovation by reaching out to a diverse group, and increase users’ satisfaction and loyalty (Howe 2005). In the government sector, the impact... [ view full abstract ]

Engaging the crowds through the ICT helps organizations to reduce cost, bring in innovation by reaching out to a diverse group, and increase users’ satisfaction and loyalty (Howe 2005). In the government sector, the impact of technology and the web to enhance governance and the capacity of the public in solving public problems has been an important concern. However, pioneering studies reveal several difficulties in managing information generated from the crowd and the challenges of implementing ICTs in the public sector.

The goal of this paper is to synthesize prior research and practices on utilizing ICTs and derive instructive lessons for practitioners, particularly in the government sector. This paper draws on a variety of disciplines including business, communication, computer science, psychology, and planning studies as well as some best practices in Asian. By emphasizing the common themes across a diverse body of literature, the intention is to suggest useful practices and ask appropriate questions for future open innovation opportunities. This paper discusses necessary conditions for adopting ICTs to engage the crowd for innovation in the public sector to work well and lessons drawn from across the multiple disciplines for public administration practices.