Peer-To-Patent
The peer-to-patent project allows the public to do research and present the patent examiner with 'prior art' publications which will inform them of the novelty of the invention so that they can determine whether the invention is worthy of a patent. The community elects ten prior art pieces to be sent to the patent examiner for review. This is revolutionary because it enables the public to directly communicate with the patent examiner. The peer-to-patent project has many implications for e-democracy. It proves that e-democracy can be effective when there is a structured environment which demands certain information from participants that aid in the decision making process. As a culture, we have accepted that our information and our governance come from professionals or experts, not directly from the citizens. With this kind of, "civic software," the decision making process is made more effective; it forms groups and communities of both experts and civilians who work together to find solutions. The peer to patent project extends beyond the simplest form of e-democracy, tallying poll votes. Citizens do not have to check a box that reduces their opinion to a few given words; they can actually participate and share ideas.
Read more about this topic: E-democracy