Local community intelligence, wellbeing and the potential role of web 2.0 applications

Web 2.0 applications offer some interesting possibilities for the Collective Intelligence (CI) of Local Communities. Local Communities typically have limited resources and technological know-how to fully exploit the features of Web 2.0. However, their usually diverse mixed demographic may be advantageous in community intelligence and decision making with implications for Wellbeing. Evidence shows a mixed range of knowledge and perspectives is often superior to expert opinion. This could confer particular benefits for Local Communities. This paper suggests that individuals within Local Communities may be very receptive to increased community engagement, outlines the need for a taxonomy to maximise the outcomes of Collective Intelligence (CI), speculates about some possibly rich seams for future research and some expedient ways of doing this through the use of Web 2.0 applications. In doing so there is consideration of contributions from Computer Science, Management and Design.