Is mobile key to the Big Society?

Prime minister David Cameron's vision of a Big Society - with citizens involved in government-level decision-making and service delivery - could depend in part on the uptake of mobile web access.

Analysis from Frost & Sullivan of smart government schemes of all kinds says mobile innovations like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular and location-based technologies are key to enhancing participation among citizens.

Research analyst Jayashree Rajagopal says: "While internet has been a major tool in fostering smart government recently, it is mobile government that has emerged as a more effective and inclusive platform."

Already, pilot schemes are in place in a number of European countries to help give members of the public mobile access to government procedures and policies, an initiative referred to as mGovernment by Frost & Sullivan.

These countries include the Netherlands, Estonia, Germany and Sweden, with positive feedback both from the public participants and the mobile operators engaged on the projects, and encouraging results overall.