Think tank for public-interest info
(FULL-SIZE IMAGE)
The discussion of how to create a think tank to focus on public interest information proceeded quickly. People noted that the entity might really be called a Do tank or Think camp, since the focus could be on rapid development, such as developing real-world ways to translate publicly available data into forms that can be used by voters/readers/journalists. One suggestion was to set up weekend meetings, ala startup weekends, to bring together small groups of tech folks and journalists, and possibly others, such as audience members and business people. These groups would envision tools to handle public interest data, and then program those API or setup structures to generate analysis of public data. The discussion emphasized the need to cross-pollinate (get the right types of expertise in the room), to focus on the creation of tech tools, and to make sure that folks focused on how to increase civic engagement.
Post-notes from Maurreen Skowran:
- Rapid development could also be used to make new publications, sites, whatever.
- Such a think tank might also be used to review various innovations (technical, editorial and business) in or for civic media. Such information is becoming more available, but there is now little compilation, synthesis or rigorous examination.
