The Case for Engagement - Informing Digital Futures: Strategies for Citizen Engagement - page 44

become a cause for concern. Merkel et al. suggest that “ sustainability in
this context involves finding ways to support groups as they learn about
technology, as they identify ways that technology can be used to address
organizational and community level problems, and as they develop plans
to take on projects involving technology ”. From experience working with
community groups to promote IT adoption, they propose that the key to
sustainability is to engage and empower the community members them-
selves so that they fully 'own' and take control of the planning, develop-
ment, implementation and maintenance of ICTs (Merkel et al. 2005).
3.3 Conclusions
In conclusion, the principal benefits of citizen engagement in civic society
are significant and far-reaching. Firstly, the systems, services and products
which result from active and informed citizen engagement can succeed in
meeting the real needs of citizens/users for an enhanced quality of life.
Secondly, the increased uptake of new technologies and faster diffusion
leads to economic benefits to providers and the possibilities of further
enrichment in provision for the public. Such engagement can also be
expected to improve the effectiveness and acceptability of information sys-
tems in the public sector. It may also help individuals to become active
in their communities, thereby enhancing citizenship and the democratic
process.
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