A Framework for Using Crowdsourcing in Government

Abstract

Crowdsourcing is a concept in which the crowd is used as a source of labor, idea generation, or problem identification. Crowdsourcing originated in the private sector; though with any good private sector practice it is increasingly being utilized in government. This paper provides an overview of the concept of crowdsourcing, gives examples of its use in the private and public sectors, and develops a framework for how governments can begin to strategize and think about crowdsourcing to solve problems when engaging with citizens. Our framework is illustrated with a number of cases from current or past uses of crowdsourcing in government. We conclude with important considerations about how governments should strategize their crowdsourcing efforts.

Keywords: crowdsourcing, citizensourcing, bureaucratic transformation, citizen engagement, 311, NASA, intelligence

JEL Classification: J23, J33, H11, D73