W3C plans e-gov forum

New initiative launched to promote web standards in e-government

International standards organisation the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) today launched a new forum aimed at working out how best to use web technology to improve governance and citizen participation.

The eGovernment Interest Group is open to all members of the public and will help governments, citizens, researchers and others identify best practices as well as instances where technology does not address current needs.

"Open standards, and in particular Semantic Web standards, can help lower the cost of government, make it easier for independent agencies to work together, and increase flexibility in the face of change," said Tim Berners-Lee, W3C director, in a statement.

The group will also look to work closely with other W3C working groups and international organisations including the European Commission, Oasis, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).