The Government of Canada recently released a study on “New Technologies (the Web 2.0) and government communications” that seeks to frame the opportunities and challenges of Web 2.0 deployment by government agencies.  There’s nothing earth-shattering in these results but nonetheless it provides some support to agencies trying to implement these technologies for citizen engagement while highlighting some sobering stats about public awareness of the Web 2.0. In particular, only 30% of those polled were familiar with the term “Web 2.0.” Of those polled online, actual usage topped out at 30% for social networking, with blogs and wikis utilitized by just 14 and 8% respectively.

Those numbers nothwithstanding, here are some of the highlights that showcase where and why government agencies may want to add Web 2.0 apps to their communications agenda:

Why should government agencies use Web 2.0 apps?

1. Communite with young Canadians (78%)
2. Fast, up-to-date info on programs/services (76%)
3. Reach rural/remote groups (66%)
4. Deliver programs/services more effectively (65%)
5. Get input from Canadians (62%)

Specific ways government agencies could use Web 2.0 apps?

1. Sites where government experts answer questions (72%)
2. Websites for Canadians to provide their views to the government (59%)
3. Audio tours of natural/historical sites (50%)
4. Webcasts re: programs/services (49%)
5. Blogs written by government experts (42%)

What are the top concerns for government use of Web 2.0 apps?

1. General privacy / security concerns (14% -yikes, were trusting folks)
2. Content not reliable(14%)
3. Not useful for Canadians not on Internet (10%)
4. Confidence / hackers (6%)
5. Cost  / too expensive (3%)

You should eventually be able to read the full report here.

3 Comments

1. This the same government of mine that had its tax servers all crash because they didn’t anticipate the number of electronic filings they would get before midnight on the 30th?

   Comment by Paul - May 8, 2008 11:18 pm

2. Thanks a lot DAN

   for raising the ears of Canadian authorities…

   They must go web 2.0

   Comment by Miracle studios -- web design company - June 16, 2008 6:57 am

3. [...] Government of Canada and the Web 2.0 - The Government of Canada recently released a study on “New Technologies (the Web 2.0) and government communications” that seeks to frame the opportunities and challenges of Web 2.0 deployment by government agencies. [...]

   Pingback by Bookmarks for 28 de Agosto, 2008 through 29 de Agosto, 2008 | K-Government - August 29, 2008 6:10 am

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