Social discovery framework: building capacity and seeking solutions

Abstract

While journalists often portray discovery as the thrilling insight of a brilliant individual, many discoveries require years of work by competing and collaborating teams. Often large amounts of foundational work are necessary and dialogs among participants help clarify goals. The Social Discovery Framework suggests that (1) there are important processes in building capacity and then seeking solutions and (2) those that initiate requests are often as important as those who seek solutions. The implications of the Social Discovery Framework are that improved social tools to build capacity, initiate requests, and support dialog would accelerate the discovery process as much as the more visible tools for individuals seeking solutions.