USAID is perhaps an exemplar of a government agency using open-source technology to achieve its goals. The agency has already launched initiatives that have opened dialogue on international development, long before President Obama openly cited a need for new media in the government.

Tonight, President Obama will deliver a major address to Congress on U.S. health reform. So it's a good time to take a look at how people are using online tools and tactics to influence the reform discussion.

The sign of success in foreign assistance is that “We are partners in building capacity for transformational change,” President Obama said in a recent speech in Ghana.

“Africa’s future is up to Africans,” he said.

A look at how the White House spread Obama's address to Muslims using web 2.0, interesting questions raised by the Open Government Directive, a tussle over an online pseudonym, and more!

A Telecommunications Policy Agenda for the Obama Administration

To respond to the desire to continue the conversation started at the Open Innovation for Government event at CSIS on April 14, 2009, the Global Development Commons asked the panelists to answer a few questions. Our goal is to encourage as much two-way communication as possible so please comment and share your responses. 

Maria Eitel, president of the Nike Foundation and an Acumen Fund advisor, has been asked by President Obama to become the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Maria’s nomination was announced yesterday during an event with President Obama, the First Lady, Vice President Biden, Sen. Kennedy and others, as the President signed the Serve America Act.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the live webcast of the event! Your engagement was key to making the event a success and we hope to continue the conversation. If you missed it, you can watch the video here and feel free to leave comments!

The U.S. Government and innovation—for many, the two simply do not go together. By necessity, government agencies must play it safe with taxpayers’ money and speak with one voice. Innovators, on the other hand, take risks, welcome dissent, and embrace the lessons of failure.