Participative Web and User-Created Content: Web 2.0, Wikis, and Social Networking

This study describes the rapid growth of user-created web content, its increasing role in worldwide communication, and the resulting policy implications. Questions addressed include: What is user-created content? What are its key drivers, its scope, and different forms? What are the new value chains and business models? What are the extent and form of social, cultural, and economic opportunities and impacts? What are the associated challenges? Is there a government role, and what form could it take? Contents include: • Defining and Measuring the Participative Web and User-Created Content • Drivers of User-Created Content • Types of User-Created Content and Distribution Platforms • Emerging Value Chains and Business Models • Economic and Social Impacts • Opportunities and Challenges for Users, Business and Policy