Who Embraces Web 2.0?
In previous posts, I have questioned the reluctance for certain institutions to fully adopt the Web 2.0 toolset - primarily journalism and the U.S. government. These early foundations of American culture do contribute to cultural change, but mainly as responsive organizations. Journalism, for example, reports daily on the emergence of web media outlets only to slowly incorporate the latest distribution platforms and advertising models. Similarly, the U.S. government is the single largest employer in the country but fails to employ the unique collection of web-based project management apps (*this information is filtered through friends with government positions and not fact*).
So how are other professional sectors adapting to the onslaught of applications produced by the Internet’s second economic incarnation? Combing the blogosphere provides some interesting commentary on the adoption rate of different sectors…
Finance.Publisher and Internet thought leader Tim O’Reilly discusses the predominance of computer science majors employed by financial institutions. Through an examination of today’s changing software landscape, O’Reilly recognizes Wall Street’s position as an early adopter of technological trends. Dating back to the late 1980s, Charlie Sheen was reliant on his phone and computer during his stint as an aspiring broker.
Education. Higher education is breeding ground for innovation - Google, Facebook, P2P, etc. Primary and secondary education, however, are also exploring the benefits of a social-networked learning experience at the upcoming K-12 Open Minds Conference in Indianapolis, IN. Discussions will include virtual classrooms, open-sourced curriculum platforms, and web-based course management apps.
Pornography. Not sure on this one, but I have heard rumors of several voyeurs capitalizing on the seamless distribution of the Internet.
Social Movements. Not necessarily a professional sector, but blogging, wikis, and networking definitely contribute to a surge in political consciousness. Craig Newmark compares influential bloggers to historical rabble-rousers like Martin Luther and John Locke. Small voices can reach big audiences, but unfortunately the decision makers are not always present for the performance.
Filed under: Slow Adopters, Infonalysis