Starting tomorrow, participants will gather in Aspen to discuss the best strategies for using information and technology to encourage more open and innovative governance.

The Forum on Communications and Society, sponsored by Knight and hosted by the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program, will also explore how specific innovations that governments are using can open up more information to the public so that they can better engage in civic life. The forum, which is being livestreamed, begins at 8:45 a.m. MST Monday Aug. 8 with discussion on how open and innovative government might solve problems like political polarization, corruption and the influence of money in politics. The discussion will be followed by an exploration of how are governments are currently trying to work more efficiently. Despite examples of successful and innovative apps and practices at the state and local level, many governments are behind the curve. Participants will explore a variety of topics, including what innovation might offer communities and their residents five years from now. Throughout the three days, working groups will help develop recommendations for increasing transparency, innovation and accountability at the federal, state and local level. They’ll report back throughout the day on Tuesday and at 8:45 a.m. MST Wed., Aug. 8, they’ll share their suggestions and recommend next steps to help bring their ideas to fruition. They’ll also discuss what investments or specific policies will encourage the types of innovations suggested. All three days of the forum will be livestreamed for free. The full agenda is available online (note all listed times are MST). To follow the conversation on Twitter use the hashtag #FOCAS12 and follow @AspenInstitute.