Virtual clusters
The emerging participatory culture and tools of the web are enabling new networks and collaborations to flourish across organisations, sectors and geographies.
In this strand of work we'll explore how the web is influencing the UK’s capacity for innovation. We're developing a series of experimental pilot projects, designed to learn how people are changing the way they interact, both in location-based clusters and in virtual communities. Our initial focus is on the creative industries and social innovation.
Specific areas NESTA is interested in:
- How do online and offline collaboration and creativity work together? Do online and offline interactions differ, and do they help or hinder collaborative innovation?
- Is the rise of the web changing the way we behave and act in physical spaces, especially cities? If so, what is the knock-on effect for our public and private institutions?
- Is the digital economy making social interaction in cities more or less important?
- To create successful innovation clusters, what is the optimum balance between physical/virtual interaction and open/closed networks?
Social Innovation Camp
Social Innovation Camp will bring together some of the UK and Europe's top web professionals and social innovators to find solutions to social challenges, using easy-to-build web 2.0 tools.
Swarmtribes
Swarmtribes is a new type of community-engagement platform, which aims to connect musicians with their dedicated fans.
Web Science Research Initiative
The Web Science Research Initiative aims to to facilitate and produce the fundamental scientific advances necessary to inform the future design and use of the World Wide Web.