We are witnessing an explosion in online and mobile communications activity. The trends in internet usage have been recently dubbed ‘Web 2.0’ because they allow us to realise the power of networks through new, easily accessible tools. There are big implications of seeing ourselves as a ‘network society’; we are re-shaping our understanding of user-based innovation in public services. Citizens increasingly expect the service experience to be about reciprocity and mutual problem-solving, not the passive acceptance of a set of generic solutions.

This seminar will explore in more depth the transition described by the term ‘web 2.0’, and what it means for health care and services in the UK.

Read Molly's Web 2.0 briefing - pdf
Download Lee Bryant's presentation -pdf

17.00 Wine and refreshments

17.30 Introduction – Harry Cayton

17.35 The Democratisation of Voice
Paul Hodgkin Chief Executive, Patient Opinion
Discussant Catherine Fieschi of Demos
In the past only elites could publish articles or distribute films. Now anyone can blog or upload their video clip to You Tube. Voice has been democratised and along the way it is creating a whole new class of public conversations that providers will have to take account of. 
Paul will use experience from Patient Opinion to illustrate the generic effects of everyone now having a public voice and where such web-based citizen-led conversations may be taking us.

18.05 The Democratisation of Data
Lee Bryant, Director of Headshift
Discussant Sir Bruce Keogh, Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery UCL
Data used to be gathered, analysed and published by experts. No more. Increasingly citizens are creating their own content and collaborating to create knowledge through sites like wikipedia. What’s more, companies, civil society groups and private individuals are increasingly able to ‘mash up’ publicly available data bases into creative new sites. What will citizens empowered by voice and data want? Lee will use Headshift’s position as a leading supplier of social software to look at where this may take us.

Summary from Catherine Fieschi, Director of Demos
Closing remarks from Chair – Harry Cayton

End 19.30
This event is full. If you would like more information, please contact Molly Webb at Demos