Wikinomics : Development 2.0: collaboration in the development sector

Conventional wisdom is that the development sector, unlike the private sector, is the natural place for "radical collaboration" to occur. The reality is, however, often quite different. Just like in the private sector, traditional business models and practices in the development sector are being challenged by the emergence of wikinomics. We are currently witnessing the birth of a whole new bunch of start-ups that have embraced peer-to-peer, openness and collaboration at the heart of their business models, thereby challenging traditional players such as established NGOs and international financing institutions. Kiva, Change.org and Changemakers are well-publicised examples.