Investment in public services is under threat around the world because of the downturn, yet demand for services continues to increase. If we are to meet this challenge, we need to move beyond old, tired debates about spending increases versus cuts, and focus instead on how we can mobilise people power to help deliver better, more relevant and targeted services at lower cost. The social web and 'the power of we' are key to how we can achieve this.

While budgets are still available, organisations need to put in place infrastructure that will allow them to engage with citizens and employees better in order to meet this challenge. They will also need to move beyond old procurement models that favour large generic government suppliers and make budgets work harder by adopting an investment mentality that seeks to work in partnership with those closest the problem, whether companies, community groups or charities, to create innovative solutions.

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