A brief introduction to... Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing is shifting the balance of power between government and society, but what exactly is it and how can it help improve public impact and outcomes for citizens? 

Download: a brief introduction to... crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing can take place on many different levels and across a range of industries. For government, crowdsourcing is becoming an increasingly popular way to engage with citizens directly. The knowledge, perspectives, experience and talents of individual citizens can be fed into the design and delivery of government policy with little friction.

While crowdsourcing isn't a novel idea, technology is making it much more cost effective and easier for practically anyone to participate online.

Crowdsourcing allows citizens to shape the public agenda and get involved in the formal democratic process on an ongoing basis, rather than only at election or referendum time.

Although it's openness to all views may suggest that crowdsourcing doesn't value expertise, don't forget that citizens - who actually consume public services and directly affected by public policies - are experts in everyday life.

Download our introduction to crowdsourcing to understand and see examples of how tapping into citizens collective intelligence, to build on their valuable experience and insights can help align the spread of government resources with citizens priorities at the heart of it.

Download: a brief introduction to... crowdsourcing

Take a look at our other brief introductions to:

1. Evidence-informed policymaking

2. Open data

3. Policy Experimentation

4. Public Consultation

5. Human-centred Design

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