In a world of distributed workplaces, the ability to easily collaborate and share ideas is critical for productivity, says Caroline Vanderlip, CEO of US-based company SharedBook, which runs the online document discussion platform SharedDocs.
“Collaboration platforms mimic the way we used to work, when everyone was in the same office at the same time,” explains Vanderlip. “By sitting around a large table, we could talk back and forth and bring nascent ideas to their conclusions. We could put them into practice and then discuss them again if needed.
“Collaboration platforms allow this to happen in a socially networked world by allowing the community to still have input and an exchange of ideas but accessible from anywhere, at any time.”
The Our Energy Policy Foundation, a US group focused on energy policy development, recently expanded its online dialogue by adding content and discussion points to stimulate conversation among 300-plus energy experts and 25 partner organisations.
Through the SharedDocs platform, users can exchange ideas in context, facilitating real-time, collective document feedback among scientists, legislators, energy companies and environmental organisations, explains OurEnergyPolicy.org president, Bill Squadron.
He says this Web-based collaboration attracts diverse perspectives on the need for better-informed and more effective US energy policies.
“This use of Internet technology can foster consensus, challenge assumptions, generate innovative ideas, and identify the key points of divergence for policymakers and journalists to focus on.”
According to Vanderlip, this move toward collective intelligence in regards to national policies marks a significant trend. “The ability to engage a specific group of people and efficiently leverage their opinion in a collaborative environment speaks to a more inclusive, intelligent decision-making process for government and businesses alike.”
Squadron adds that by using technology to involve experts previously excluded, and by having this dialogue visible to the public, the Foundation can help overcome obstacles that have prevented policymakers from implementing sound solutions.
“I do believe we can solve our challenges. It requires people to extend themselves, and spend the necessary time conversing and collaborating with others to craft workable policies,” he says.
There are several companies leveraging the idea of sharing knowledge and stimulating discussion via Web-based tools. Ericsson's Internet portal - the Ericsson Academy - for example, allows users to access learning services, online courses, lectures, and learn more about emerging technologies through interactive Webinars and tutorials.
According to Ericsson, the Academy enables people to tap into various sources of technology and business expertise, to help build skills in a world of rapid technology shifts.
The Academy features content developed by Ericsson as well as online lectures from professors of Harvard Business School. The company recently opened this previously internal resource to the public, with the aim of motivating people and organisations throughout industry to collaborate, exchange ideas and stimulate innovative thinking and behaviour.
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