Power In Numbers

Still, it seems counterintuitive to think that soliciting global opinion will speed up decision making. And many policymakers remain steeped in resilient traditions and hierarchy that don't involve limitless public input. But Tapscott, who, with funding from 20 countries, is conducting a large survey of collaborative opportunities in the public sector, thinks the possibilities outweigh the hurdles. "This could be the biggest change in the nature of democracy and the relationship between citizens and their state since the founding of Western democracy," he says. That's a lot to live up to.

© 2007