Power to the Public

The Promise of Public Interest Technology

By: Tara Dawson McGuinness, Hana Schank

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

As the speed and complexity of the world increases, governments and nonprofit organizations need new ways to effectively tackle the critical challenges of our time-from pandemics and global warming to social media warfare. In Power to the Public, Tara Dawson McGuinness and Hana Schank describe a revolutionary new approach - public interest technology - that has the potential to transform the way governments and nonprofits around the world solve problems. Through inspiring stories about successful projects ranging from a texting service for teenagers in crisis to a streamlined foster care system, the authors show how public interest technology can make the delivery of services to the public more effective and efficient.

At its heart, public interest technology means putting users at the center of the policymaking process, using data and metrics in a smart way, and running small experiments and pilot programs before scaling up. And while this approach may well involve the innovative use of digital technology, technology alone is no panacea - and some of the best solutions may even be decidedly low-tech.

Clear-eyed yet profoundly optimistic, Power to the Public presents a powerful blueprint for how government and nonprofits can help solve society's most serious problems.

©2021 Princeton University Press (P)2021 Tantor

Making data-driven decisions = key

Good summary read like of how government can use data in decision-making and process improvement. Key is making process better must happen before technology is applied to “problem.”

Great book for anyone working in this field

Packed full of relevant and helpful info for those working in or wanting to work in this field.

Technology from the ground up

Technology that affects people must start with the people. Desk work is not enough. meet the people and involve them in any process affecting their lives. Or else, technology alone fails.

Public Interest Technology is the future!

This book hyped me up! I loved reading about the successes and potential in the field of Public Interest Technology.

All folks working in Civic Tech should listen

Amazingly relevant case studies from long time professionals. Thankful to be able to hand this book to folks on my team.

Practical and Inspiring

This book provides meaningful, real-world stories about the challenges of advancing government through technology. As someone who has worked in government, and now in civic tech, so much of the book resonated. For example, the authors implore readers to “never be afraid to ask why.” This simple question can often uncover the fundamental challenges that should first be solved, before any technical solutions are introduced. No matter where you are in your journey toward better government, this is a great read.

Leaves me wanting more

Meh. This book did outline some of the challenges facing a Civil service corps designed almost a century ago, and some occasionally functional solutions, but I was really left wanting. Having worked in government, I kind of knew most of this already, and I suspect most Americans broadly think this to be the case

down to basics

some good reminders but nothing particularly groundbreaking. if you have experience in the corporate world or public sector, or performing any project work, you may find the content a bit simplistic. good reminders to design processes with user experience and outcomes in mind, though, which is unfortunately less common than it should be.