From online timebanking schemes and email alerts that help residents report everyday problems to local authorities, to citizen journalism and community web portals, the Young Foundation has developed a range of research and practical projects to use digital technologies as tools to empower citizens.

Chaired by the Young Foundation director Geoff Mulgan, and with a confirmed panel including Tim Loughton MP (Under Secretary of State for Children and Families), Professor Sonia Livingstone (Head of the Department of Media and Communications, LSE), Will Perrin (Talk About Local) and Paul Miller (School of Everything) this event will be an opportunity to discuss how online innovations can help to realise the vision of a more empowered ‘Big Society'.

How do they overcome the challenges, such as digital access and usage gaps, as well a seizing on the opportunities? What are the particular issues related to young people, so-called "digital natives" who are likely to view government-led initiatives with scepticism? Will the resources and investments required to help communities adopt digital technologies be available? And how can they engage technology experts as partners?

The event kicks off the Young Foundation's discussion series on Promoting Social Growth aimed at exploring how we promote social innovation and social entrepreneurship in a period of public spending cuts and social upheaval.

We hope to share findings of our recent research and pilots, host a lively panel discussion and offer guests the chance to meet experts from across the digital, policymaking and third sector communities.

For further information please contact Christine Baker.