In chapter 9, "Justice and Development," of his book The Wealth of Networks Benkler provides the theory behind and examples for social production helping address problems of international development specifically and public policy more generally.  He says:

The emergence of social sharing as a substantial mode of production in the networked environment offers an alternative route for individuals and nonprofit entities to take a much more substantial role in delivering actual desired outcomes independent of the formal system.  Commons-based and peer production efforts may not be a cure-all.  However, as we have seen in the software world, these strategies can make a big contribution to quite fundamental aspects of human welfare and development.  And this is where freedom and justice coincide.

Let's call this shared product the "policy commons" -- a place where ideas form, grow, and then are improved based on shared experience.  I enthusiastically accept that it is a good idea.  Getting practical -- "what does it look like?" and then "how do we get there?"  We're going to need software and services; content and data; a community of engaged contributors, reviewers, and practioners; probably some standards and norms; and some means of sustainability. We'll have to cope with language problems, personal vs. commercial vs. public interests, and many skeptics.  Still, it should be worth the effort.

Of course, much related work is already underway.  Please share news of how far along we are and best examples of progress.