Crowdsourcing applications during the COVID-19 crisis

This chapter discusses four case studies on the use of crowdsourcing to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in different areas (social, health, and education). In each case, the essential elements of crowdsourcing are detailed and how they have been affected by the favorable conditions and barriers discussed in the previous chapter. This chapter discusses the use of crowdsourcing to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in different areas. The idea for Frena La Curva came from the Aragon Open Government Lab during the days prior to home confinement in Spain. The Frena La Curva map acts as a link between aid requesters and volunteers. Participation is open to everyone, including public institutions, companies, nonprofit organizations, citizens' associations, and individuals. The main motivation to participate is altruism. Some people are suffering more than others from the effects of the pandemic, especially vulnerable populations who are not able to care for themselves or for whom it is more dangerous to be exposed to the virus. The organizers have different profiles that range from companies to citizen associations. Many of them have experience in crowdsourcing and open innovation. Aragon Open Government Lab, the initiator institution, is a tool for democratic innovation that promotes citizen participation in the design of public policies.