Web 2.0, Coming Soon to a Government Near You

It's interesting that in today's economy and with all the budget cuts in governments worldwide, that one area that is seeing active promotion & budgeting for, are the new communication tools generically branded as web 2.0. This brings a bunch of positives for both solution providers and users. For users, it means not only more information and potential accountability from their governments, but also the broad user adoption will encourage increased industry standards making it easier for more people to work with and use.

Examples of Government using Web 2.0

• Jul 4: With boost from Obama, Web 2.0 government takes off
• Jul 2: Web 2.0 warfare from Gaza to Iran
• Jun 30, EPA Water Quality Video Contest
• Jun 30: Gov Geeks a Hit in New York
• Jun 30: The Four Pillars of Effectively Using Web 2.0 in Government
• Jun 30: Poetry, radio and Web 2.0 tools part of the battle in Afghanistan

Of course, there are trade-offs to any new communication tool. There are the more responsible motivations pushing for openness and accountability, and shall we say a less responsible motive such as for propaganda and influence. Either way, the push for more information should be an overall positive to better communicate both constituent concerns as well as the appropriate government solutions.