Crowdsourcing is essentially an idea, concept or problem that is introduced to a “crowd”, usually through electronic means such as the internet. Once an idea, concept or problem is introduced, the “crowd” is then called upon to generate unique solutions in response. The crowd is typically brought together through online communities in order to collaborate on the crowdsourcer’s (the individual or business who introduced the idea, concept or problem) issue. The crowd systematically submits their own ideas and solutions and then sorts through them in order to identify the best ideas. Although the solutions are owned and acted upon by the crowdsourcer, the individuals in the crowd with the best ideas are sometimes rewarded. In some cases, these individuals are compensated through currency, prizes or even simple recognition.
The concept behind crowdsourcing is not new. It is essentially a brainstorming session aimed at solving a problem or generating something which did not exist previously. However, true crowdsourcing uses contemporary tools, technologies and communities in order to tap a wide range of ideas. It uses the resources associated with the internet age to generate a larger volume of ideas and potential solutions. Crowdsourcing produces solutions from amateurs, business professionals, students, volunteers, experts and small businesses alike. Where businesses were previously restricted to the brainstorming power of their employees, contractor and consultants, they now have the collective wisdom of the internet crowd at their disposal.
The word "crowdsourcing" was first coined by Steve Jurvetson and popularized by Jeff Howe in a June 2006 Wired magazine article.
"Crowdsourcing represents the act of a company or institution taking a function once performed by employees and outsourcing it to an undefined (and generally large) network of people in the form of an open call."
-Jeff Howe, June 2006
Crowdsourcing is a relatively new concept which is poised as a formidable threat to Outsourcing. It has many merits and competitive advantage which can see its growth multiply. As is evolves with respect to people,reach,technology and complexity of the problem solved, its intensity and challengingly dominant positioned can be evaluated.
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