Why Government and funders might give more support to community technology, social infrastructure and connecting citizens

This may be wishful thinking, but I sense that we could soon see a resurgence of interest in community technology, social infrastructure and connecting citizens among funders and policy people. That’s something we’ve explored over the past two years through Networked City and the Connecting Londoners group. If you want some earlier backstory community tech … Continue reading “Why Government and funders might give more support to community technology, social infrastructure and connecting citizens”

Network maps need conversations to be useful, and conversations benefit from mapping … the dynamics of civic operating systems

The latest interview by Christine Capra with Aldo de Moor suggests that a map with conversations is nothing … and without some form of mapping conversations are fragmented. Christine and Aldo talk through a process of participatory network mapping which I think brings life to the ideas for civic operating systems which I posted earlier. … Continue reading “Network maps need conversations to be useful, and conversations benefit from mapping … the dynamics of civic operating systems”

Stuff happens: could company operating systems for uncertain futures provide insights into what’s needed for civil society?

Lisa Gill headlines her excellent report from a two-day business forum with a quote from speaker Gary Hamel: “The future is surprisingly indifferent to our preferences” … which might by summarised as “stuff happens”. That’s as true for communities as it is for companies. Unfortunately communities have even less control over their futures. For example, … Continue reading “Stuff happens: could company operating systems for uncertain futures provide insights into what’s needed for civil society?”

How mapping visionaries for responsible tech could help develop a people-centred approach to Smarter London

Doteveryone is underpinning their mission to champion responsible technology for a fairer society by mapping who else shares that vision. I think there’s scope for linking up with our Networked City mapping on the same theme, and using that to organise a group promoting people-centred design for London’s smart city. Doteveryone have worked with the … Continue reading “How mapping visionaries for responsible tech could help develop a people-centred approach to Smarter London”