Stolen snow shovels and good ideas: The search for and generation of local knowledge in the social media community

Abstract

This study seeks to address two research questions. First, how can citizen online communities support open innovation practices in the public sector? Second, what kinds of contributions are produced through social media platforms? These questions are examined through an experimental research setting and by analyzing interactions and contributions made in a neighborhood development–oriented Facebook group. This study contributes to the field of open innovation in the public sector by highlighting the networked nature of citizen participation and emphasizing citizens' capacity for meaningful contributions.