On Goals, Structure and Prototype

I want this project to be as open as possible to the most advanced thinking, facilitation and action AND structured in a way it can progress both openly and effectively in a scaled way.

I only briefly evoked curation and facilitation, but the idea is to develop a process, the tools and team who can valuably exploit density, diversity and synchronicity and put to work the data, stakeholders, resources that will have been pulled together in the network.

Our goal is to be the integrators of the best tools and process methodologies for informed action and impact. And I understand that this is the very subject of the challenge: to use and combine existing tools to create extended outcomes. In the short term we would do with light versions of what is available just to test our pull mechanics. In the middle term, we would convene all those able to come up with the best tools and ideas and start on some prospective.

My intention, once we know what the following weeks will be made off, in particular as far as the grant is concerned, is to convene a workshop of the advisors and potential technology partners we have in mind and work on an integration scheme and schedule.

The plan is to get a prototype going quite soon to test and fine tune the push/pull mechanism around data and evaluation and secure our presence around Rio+20. I am in discussion right now.

More on a technical roadmap

The technical roadmap is under construction. This map may give an overview of the pieces we would be looking at: http://menemania.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341e84bf53ef0163030ab6b4970d-pi

We will integrate/build the techno based on a conceptual framework, and experience and outcome requirements. We are concentrating on systemic dynamics and practical outcomes. We are not interested in reinventing the wheel either but to integrate and bridge the best out there (existing or in becoming middle term) both in terms of social and technology to deliver the experience and achieve the outcomes.

The project is totally open. We will be starting from a core component to build a distributed network of stakeholders around issues as social objects and start an interaction dynamic, and gradually integrate more empowering, collaborative, visualization, knowledge curation, evaluation tools.

We are currently mapping what is already available that could fit our framework.

Prototypes/proving through localized beta projects always key. (Caroline)

Prototyping an “emergent” platform (George)

Prototyping is certainly the key, particularly if it is not limited to a piece of novel technology but prototyping an "emergent platform" as Stephen Johnson talks about it:

“In nature a few species function as platform creators while most exploit the opportunities and interdependencies on an emergent platform. The platform creators cannot go solo to get their job done. Coral needs algae to fuel their endeavors. Beavers need willow saplings on the adjacent riverbank to build their dams. Once a platform emerges, a staggering volume of biodiversity joins the party. The quantity and quality of innovations, adaptations, co-optations and reciprocities are an inspiration to us.” (Where Good Ideas Come From)

So, how do we "prototype" or design emergence? Of course, we cannot, but we can design the *conditions* favorable for emergent platforms to manifest. That's what I feel Helene's project is about and that'w why I love it. There's nothing more urgent than supporting the emergence real, participatory democracy and its collective intelligence and wisdom. That's what I've been telling for the last 25 years, but nowadays, I'm definitely not alone, as this project and many others show it.

Part of my contribution to designing for emergence is what I call the Innovation Architecture that optimizes the social, knowledge, business, and technology layers of the emergent platform, for synergistic outputs...