NASA CoLab is a program that uses technology and processes to enable public participation, collaboration, and innovation with NASA. It brings together NASA innovators and the public to contribute ideas, data, and code to help with NASA's missions. NASA CoLab has established online and virtual environments for collaboration and held events to connect NASA employees with external innovators. After its first year, NASA CoLab facilitated connections with other government agencies and non-traditional partners. It will focus on facilitating more collaboration and innovation internally at NASA in the coming year through programs like CoLab Ambassadors and a CoLab Council.

1. NASA CoLab Overview June 2008

4. Participatory Exploration --Participatory Exploration Summit, June 2007 “‘ Participatory Exploration’ provides a mechanism for the public to collaborate with NASA. Two-way communication enables the public to engage with NASA in a productive way, resulting in creative ideas and potential innovation.”

6. NASA CoLab Elements On-line : Web-based tools to foster open innovation and collaboration Physical : Coworking environments at NASA Centers and at cultural capitals close to NASA Centers Virtual : Utilize Second Life and other platforms for virtual collaboration Events : Host/present innovative gatherings to bring NASA staff together with external Centers of innovation Partnerships : Foster new partnerships with individuals and non- traditional communities Community : An engaged public workforce for NASA Agency-wide : Establish internal NASA CoLab groups at NASA Centers Facilitation : Assist NASA programs in implementing collaborative processes Community : Facilitate an internal culture and community of open innovation and collaboration ENVIRONMENTS PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS INTERNAL FACILITATION

11. NASA CoLab Elements Focus on Internal Facilitation for the Next Year On-line : Web-based tools to foster open innovation and collaboration Physical : Coworking environments at NASA Centers and at cultural capitals close to NASA Centers Virtual : Utilize Second Life and other platforms for virtual collaboration Events : Host/present innovative gatherings to bring NASA staff together with external Centers of innovation Partnerships : Foster new partnerships with individuals and non- traditional communities Community : An engaged public workforce for NASA Agency-wide : Establish internal NASA CoLab groups at NASA Centers Facilitation : Assist NASA programs in implementing collaborative processes Community : Facilitate an internal culture and community of open innovation and collaboration ENVIRONMENTS PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS INTERNAL FACILITATION

16. Internal Consulting